Manchester United head to Elland Road on Sunday for an early kick-off which Ruben Amorim has made a must-win for himself.
Ruben Amorim heads for his maiden Roses derby against Leeds this weekend on the back of dropping points to 20th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers.
This result against the league’s worst team at Old Trafford has undoubtedly added massive pressure to the need for three points against Leeds.
What is your message to Ruben Amorim ahead of Man Utd’s visit to Leeds?
What does he need to change after the Wolves draw?
Manchester United might be in the Champions League football race, but consistent slip-ups and unacceptable performances have meant that the Red Devils are nowhere near as high as they could be.
It cannot all be laid on the head coach, however, with United missing eight key senior players from the squad. But against such bitter rivals, Amorim needs three points to restore the positive feeling around the club.
How Manchester United could line-up to face Leeds
Picking Manchester United’s starting line-up right now has never been easier, with just 12 senior first-team outfield players available to Amorim.
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Where the real trouble comes is in working out whether Amorim will use a back four or three.
Against Leeds, we unfortunately predict a back three with Amorim having the decision whether he goes safe or bold in player selection.
Here is the predicted line-up.
Senne Lammens: There is no position right now for United more nailed on than goalkeeper, with the Belgian being so important on a weekly basis.
Even against Wolves, Lammens saved Amorim from defeat with a big double save. Guaranteed starter.
Ayden Heaven: Centre-back is where we get a little uncertain, with a potential back four and Leny Yoro potentially a starter.
Ayden Heaven was Man Utd’s best outfield player vs Wolves
Do you agree? It was a bizarre choice to take him off…
But regardless of formation, Heaven is one of the first names on the team sheet right now, and he doesn’t look like letting up.
Lisandro Martinez: In the absence of Bruno Fernandes, Martinez has become United’s captain, and for that reason, he is sure to be in the starting line-up again here.
United need to be careful not to overplay Martinez so soon after his ACL injury, but we can’t see him dropping out here, maybe against Burnley.
Luke Shaw: Depending on the system, Shaw could play left-back or on the left of the three, so we have him here as the left-sided centre-back, but that could easily adapt through the game.
Since signing for Manchester United in in 2014, Luke Shaw is unbeaten against Leeds
- Played: 6
- Won: 4
- Draw: 2
- Lost: 0
Shaw is having his best season in years purely through being available and deserves praise.
Diogo Dalot: With Amad having a successful AFCON campaign, we expect to see Dalot back in as right wing-back.
Like with Shaw, the position could vary based on a back three or four, but one thing is certain: the Portuguese defender will start.
Casemiro: Amorim didn’t sound like he expected Kobbie Mainoo or Bruno Fernandes to return, and so the midfield will remain unimaginative and defensive.
Casemiro was among United’s most improved in 2025, and he will need to be at his best again here for Amorim again here in this one.
Manuel Ugarte: Despite being considered for a 2026 exit, Ugarte’s importance has increased recently during the injury crisis, and he will start again here.
Ugarte could suit this derby game, as it will be a fiery game.
Patrick Dorgu: While Dorgu has been praised for playing right wing, Amorim will likely revert him to wing-back again here if our back-three prediction is correct.
However, as with most of the team, the players picked might be spot on, but Dorgu could also easily be the right winger.
Joshua Zirkzee: In the right 10 position, Zirkzee was hooked at half-time despite scoring vs Wolves, but we think he starts this one as Jack Fletcher could get eaten alive with the pressure at Elland Road.
It might be the last time we see Zirkzee in a United kit, so he should make it memorable.
Matheus Cunha: On the left, Cunha was really disappointing against Wolves and needs to be so much better as United’s sole creative outlet against Leeds.
WHO do you want to see Manchester United starting against Leeds?
Agree with our predicted line-up? Who would you change…🤔
Cunha might also relish the derby fixture, and this fixture has a heroic display written all over it.
Benjamin Sesko: Finally, leading the line is Sesko, who needs to start scoring, especially against Leeds, when Dominic Calvert-Lewin might show why he would have been a better signing
United need Sesko to step up and that all starts against Leeds.
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