It’s genuinely felt like the Middle Ages since United last kicked a ball. I’ve aged, I’ve reflected, I’ve even started enjoying international breaks… alright, that’s a lie, let’s not get carried away.
But we’re finally back 🙌. And of course, it had to be Leeds.
There’s still an entire weekend to get through before Monday night, which feels a bit like being told your food is ready and then being asked to wait outside the restaurant for three hours, but honestly, I couldn’t sit on this any longer. Transfer talk is cool, manager debates keep things ticking, but nothing replaces actual football.
Seven games left. Time to stop chatting and start showing.
Leeds, hold that thought.
Predicted Lineup
There are a few key changes to consider here.
Maguire misses out through suspension after the red card at Bournemouth, which is a blow given his recent form. In his place comes Martínez who returns from injury and should slot straight back in alongside Yoro, who has been solid in recent weeks.
At full-back, Dalot and Shaw are likely to keep their places, while Mainoo and Casemiro continue in midfield.
Bruno Fernandes remains the focal point in the no 10 role, but the front three is where the real decisions come in. I’ve gone with Mbeumo on the right, Cunha on the left and Šeško through the middle.
It feels like the right time to move away from the false 9 setup. It hasn’t been particularly effective recently, and it’s also limited the impact of players like Mbeumo while keeping Šeško out of the side.
Let's not forget that Dorgu will be back too. We haven't seen him since that scorcher of a strike in the win over Arsenal. The Dane was giving us prime Gareth Bale vibes before his injury and was one of our best players before his six-week layoff.
Could he return to the starting XI?
Approach
These next seven games are important for Michael Carrick, especially if he’s to be considered for the role long-term.
What we need to see now is a clearer sense of control in games. Not just moments or individual quality, but a more consistent structure where United dictate the tempo and manage phases of play properly.
That starts with possession. Moving the ball with patience, try not to force the issue, and making better use of both flanks instead of becoming predictable in attack.
Cunha, even if out of position, needs to be involved more consistently. He’s one of the players capable of making a difference, but that only happens if he’s on the ball regularly.
The full-backs also have an important role here. Their overlaps can stretch the game, support the wingers, and create more options in the final third.
If Šeško starts, then using crosses becomes more important. His aerial presence gives United a clear focal point, something that’s been missing at times.
In midfield, more is needed from both Mainoo and Casemiro. There were signs of improvement before the break, particularly from Mainoo, but this is an area where United have to establish control if they’re to manage games better.
With Martínez back, there’s also an added ability to progress the ball from defence and step into midfield when needed. Alongside Yoro’s pace, this should allow United to hold a slightly higher line and maintain pressure.
Do I expect us to play in this modern manner?
Absolutely not ❌.
I've been trying to decipher when we will see that style improvement, but we never have. It's been very similar throughout Carrick's ten games and even after a long break, I doubt there will be much of a difference.
Hopefully I'm wrong but I can foresee another fairly even match with United relying on moments and Bruno to bail us out.
Form
When we drew to Bournemouth, it felt like 2 points dropped. And it was. However, after both Chelsea and Liverpool lost (🤣), that point didn't seem so bad.
United remained in 3rd and are now on 55 points but just 1 ahead of Villa who did manage to beat West Ham last time out.
However, with it being confirmed that 5th spot will be good enough to qualify for the UCL, the stats say United have a 95% chance of making it into next season's Champions League.
United remain in a strong position in the table and have been relatively consistent under Carrick, even if performances haven’t always been convincing.
Our form still isn't too bad with three wins in our last five although there has been a bit of inconsistency as United have lost one, drawn one and won one of their last three.
That defeat to Newcastle though, remains the only loss suffered under Carrick which indicates that United are a tough team to beat.
Arsenal and City are still the only teams to have outscored us but our 43 conceded is the second-most in the top 10.
United are also 3rd in the home table and have 33 points from a possible 45 at Old Trafford. Not bad.
The recent results against Leeds is very one-sided as United haven't lost to them in the league since 2002. In that time, we've won six and drawn four scoring a whopping 24 goals including the 6-2 and 5-1 wins in 20/21 and 21/22.
Be nice to have that again on Monday.
Leeds
This is their biggest game of the season. Facing United is like when we play Liverpool. It's a fixture etched in the history of English football but for us, it is just another match.
Leeds are 15th but not too far off the relegation zone. Despite not really being threatened with a return to the Championship all campaign, looking at the table, it would suggest otherwise.
Their 33 points is just 4 more than 18th-placed West Ham. The Hammers also face Wolves at home on Friday with a chance to close that gap to 1 point by the time Monday night comes around.
Leeds haven't won any of their last six in the league. In fact, they have just one win in their last nine. And only the bottom four have conceded more than their 48.
Daniel Farke's side are in the bottom three for their away form as they sit 18th in the table with just one win all season. They've lost seven and drawn seven, which is the joint-most on the road along with Bournemouth and United.
Only Sunderland and Wolves have scored fewer than their 15 away from home as well.
Against the big six this season, in ten games, Leeds have won just once but drawn four times and lost five.
I don't personally know what to expect from them. They have players who can hurt us but in all honestly, United shouldn't really be having too many problems against them.
Prediction
Before my prediction, just a reminder for all of you:
The last time we faced Leeds, it was Ruben Amorim's final game in charge before he delivered that explosive interview.
So yeah, in recent times, Leeds doesn't bring back fond memories.
Anyways, that was then, this is now. And I'm feeling confident about this one. With the recent meetings, United's strong form under Carrick, the fact that we're at Old Trafford and it is a big game - you know we turn up for those - I can see a United win.
Not gonna be the most watchable game compared to what we had in the past, but 3 points nonetheless.
2-0.
Back to winning ways for United?
Bruno Fernandes | Image via Manchester United official X (@ManUtd)
Old Trafford | Creator | Credit: AFP via Getty Images - Stretty News
Dominic Calvert-Lewin | Image via Leeds United official X (@LUFC)