Manchester United are expected to step up their preparations for the new Premier League season when they face Leeds United at Dublin’s Croke Park tonight, with captain Bruno Fernandes set to lead the side and Youri Tielemans in line for a starting opportunity.
According to the Manchester Evening News, manager Michael Carrick may give more minutes to his leading players with only two pre-season fixtures remaining before the campaign begins away to Hull City on 22 August.
Senne Lammens is expected to make his first start of the summer after recovering from the illness that kept him out of the game against Paris Saint-Germain. Noussair Mazraoui started at right-back in that match, but Diogo Dalot could replace him in Dublin as Carrick looks to increase the Portugal international’s playing time.
Ayden Heaven’s display on Saturday was described as indifferent, which could lead to a change at centre-back. Leny Yoro may therefore be paired with Harry Maguire, a combination viewed as the more dependable option for this fixture.
In midfield, Andrey Santos and Mason Mount have developed a promising understanding during pre-season. Mount’s involvement, however, is uncertain after he was taken off midway through the first half in Gothenburg.
The former Chelsea player and Carrick have both indicated that the substitution was precautionary. Even so, Carrick could choose to partner Santos with Tielemans for the first time, allowing Mount to be managed carefully.
Fernandes made his first appearance of the summer last weekend and is expected to operate in the number 10 role, taking the place of Shea Lacey. That decision would not represent a setback for Lacey, who remains likely to receive more first-team opportunities during the coming season.
Marcus Rashford has returned to the Manchester United squad in Dublin and resumed team training this week. His long-term future at the club remains uncertain, though he is not expected to start against Leeds.
The same is anticipated for Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez, who have only recently returned to the squad after the World Cup.
Amad Diallo impressed on the right wing on Saturday and should retain his place. On the opposite flank, Patrick Dorgu could continue as he adapts to the position.
If Lammens is also considered fully recovered from his illness over the weekend, Matheus Cunha could be included in the starting team.
Carrick would ideally like Benjamin Sesko to lead the attack, but the striker has not played since Manchester United’s victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford last season. As a result, Bryan Mbeumo appears the most logical option to begin as the central forward until Sesko is fully ready.
Manchester United’s predicted starting XI is: Senne Lammens; Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw; Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans; Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes, Patrick Dorgu; Bryan Mbeumo.
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