Match Preview: Manchester United vs Leeds United

Manchester United vs Leeds United | Premier League | Old Trafford | KO: 16:30 GMT | Sky Sports

Following their 3-2 comeback victory against Sheffield United, Manchester United now face Leeds United in the Premier League for the first time in over sixteen years.

The War of The Roses match, as some have dubbed it, has seen some feisty encounters through the years, with a strong dislike between the fans showing that there has been no love lost over the years

No fans will be at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, and whilst that might please Greater Manchester Police, it is a true shame that some of the match’s intensity will be lost by their absence.

How do Manchester United Look?

In terms of injuries, again, United appear to be somewhat unaffected going into the Leeds clash.

Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo are still out with long term injuries, but there are no other confirmed absentees for this one.

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Edinson Cavani is back in full training, and is available for selection again, having missed the last few fixtures with an injury.

However, the amount of time he is back for is not certain; he is being investigated by the FA following a social media post that, if found guilty, will likely see him banned for a minimum of three matches.

Dean Henderson started ahead of David De Gea at Bramall Lane, with the Englishman making the error that led to his old clubs’ first goal. De Gea will most likely take the number one spot in this one, although there is talk of Henderson potentially getting a run of games over the Christmas period.

Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf are expected to remain as the centre half pairing, whilst Aaron Wan Bissaka will almost certainly start at right back. Whether Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants his left back to attack more, or be somewhat reserved going forwards, will dictate whether Luke Shaw or Alex Telles start in that position.

On Thursday night, Manchester United broke a number of records. They became the first team to have come back to win six away Premier League games in a season, doing so in just their sixth away match!

They have also now won a club record ten consecutive away matches.

Opposition: Leeds United

Leeds are managed by highly rated journeyman manager Marcelo Bielsa, who sets his team up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, with in form striker Patrick Bamford spearheading their attack.

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There were many questions asked over Bamford’s ability at the start of the season, and whether he had what it takes to be a Premier League striker, but his eight league goals in thirteen appearances seems to have silenced one or two critics.

Matches involving this Leeds side guarantee one thing- goals.

Their last fixture saw them run out 5-2 victors over Newcastle United, and in the league this season, they have scored 22 goals, as many as Manchester United, and three more than Manchester City.

Their weakness comes at the back, with only West Brom and Crystal Palace having a worse defensive record than them (and seven of Palace’s came in their last match against Liverpool).

Their attacking intent does leave them vulnerable at the back, meaning Sunday’s clash will see none stop, end to end action.

Key Stats

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Manchester United have lost just two of their previous sixteen matches against Leeds, a record dating back to 1998.

Should Manchester United win their games in hand, they will sit second, just two points off top spot. Not bad going for a team in crisis that many are saying should sack their manager.

Leeds United have had over 25 shots in three of their league games this season, showing their attacking intent.