90min

Manchester United predicted lineup vs Leeds - Premier League

By Matt O'Connor-Simpson

Harry Maguire in action
Harry Maguire in action / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
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Manchester United kick off their 2021/22 Premier League campaign with a visit from old rivals Leeds United on Saturday.

Thanks to some smart transfer business, hopes are pretty high at Old Trafford heading into the new season and the Red Devils' meeting with Marcelo Bielsa's side is one of the standout fixtures of gameweek one.

Here is how United should line-up for their Premier League curtain jerker...

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

David De Gea
De Gea is just ahead of Henderson in the goalkeeping stakes / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

David de Gea (GK) - United's goalkeeping situation remains pretty messy with both De Gea and Dean Henderson desperate for the number one jersey. For now, we expect the club's highest earner to keep his place between the sticks.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB) - This is a big season for Wan-Bissaka. United's interest in Kieran Trippier suggests the club are not entirely convinced by the defender. He needs to prove his doubters wrong.

Victor Lindelof (CB) - In the long term, Lindelof will be displaced by new arrival Raphael Varane. However, due to the infuriating delay in his registration, the Swede will continue at centre-back.

Harry Maguire (CB) - Maguire is always one of the first names on the team sheet for Solskjaer. United missed him desperately at the end of last season and his return is very welcome.

Luke Shaw (LB) - Shaw's impressive Euro 2020 capped off a career-best season. He could get even better this term too.

2. Midfielders

Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes will be captained by plenty of FPL managers this week / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Fred (CM) - He has his detractors but with United neglecting to sign a midfielder this summer, Fred will continue to feature prominently. He will be tested by Leeds' intense press on Saturday.

Scott McTominay (CM) - Much like Fred, not everyone is convinced by McTominay and to be fair, he probably is not an elite-level midfielder. However, United's lack of transfer activity means he will play a lot of minutes.

Bruno Fernandes (AM) - Fernandes will be key to United's fortunes. Leading the team for goals and assists last season, losing him for any period of time could deal a fatal blow to their slim Premier League title hopes.

3. Forwards

Anthony Martial
Martial is back in contention after injury / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Mason Greenwood (RW) - With Marcus Rashford recovering from shoulder surgery and Jadon Sancho not quite up to speed, Greenwood should be afforded a chance to impress at the start of the season.

Anthony Martial (ST) - Martial had a disappointing season last time out, scoring just four Premier League goals. If he does not improve expect him to be sold next summer.

Paul Pogba (LW) - Pogba impressed for France at Euro 2020, kick-starting the 'why can't he do it for United?' discourse all over again. His future remains uncertain, but he should start against Leeds.

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