Man United avoided another embarrassing draw in the Premier League by beating Brighton 2-0 but Rangnick’s side had to sweat it out to pick up all three points. This win keeps their top-four hopes very much alive and they now take on local rivals Leeds United on Sunday.
Brighton went down to 10 men in the second half but still, they caused a lot of trouble to Man United so it’s pretty evident that the Red Devils are in noways back to their peak form. Leeds United have been a mixed bag this season and it’s really hard to predict how a Marcelo Bielsa side will play on a given day.
Leeds United were one side that Solskjaer had no problems in beating but we will have to wait and see how Ralf Rangnick sets up his side on Sunday. Ole used to take advantage of Leeds’ man-marking system by giving him players the freedom to swap and shift their positions at will. Will Rangnick also use the same ploy to negate Bielsa’s tactics?
Man United are undefeated in their previous six away matches but they are looking really blunt since the new year began so there’s no guarantee that Ronaldo and co will come out on top on Sunday. Their record against Leeds is pretty though so the Red Devils should be getting over the line somehow at Elland Road.
Manchester United are back in the Champions League next week so their manager will also have one eye on that game and this could force him to rest and rotate some of his key players on Sunday. Ralf does have a few injury absentees which make a rotational policy even more important.
Man United team news vs Leeds United:
Raphael Varane missed the Brighton game due to an upset stomach but he should return to the side to partner Harry Maguire in central defence on Sunday.
“On the way from the hotel, after dinner and the team meeting, he had stomach problems,” Rangnick told the BBC(as quoted) after United’s win vs Brighton.
“We were hoping to get rid of it with medication but he did not feel well and that is why we played with Victor Lindelof instead.”
Luke Shaw has been starting ahead of Alex Telles in the previous few matches but this weekend the England international is likely to be rested, keeping in mind the Atletico Madrid clash.
Bruno Fernandes has been directly involved in 58 Premier League goals at Man Utd:
👕 75 appearances
⚽️ 34 goals
🅰️ 24 assistsMuch needed goal. 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/qzfJPtZfRr
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 15, 2022
Paul Pogba was surprisingly put on the bench in midweek but the manager had to bring him on in the second half and as soon as he stepped onto the pitch, Man United looked like a completely different side.
If they want to beat Leeds United comfortably then Rangnick has to select the Frechman ahead of Fred.
Marcus Rashford will also be pushing for a place in the side but we will have to wait and see if he’s selected ahead of Anthony Elanga or not.
Jadon Sancho and Ronaldo are definite starters on Sunday since Edinson Cavani is ruled out with a groin injury. The manager would have loved to rest CR7 but with Cavani out, he can’t afford to take such a big risk.
Man United injuries for Sunday:
Nemanja Matic – Shin Injury – Ruled out.
Eric Bailly – Ankle Injury – Doubt.
Edinson Cavani – Groin Injury – Ruled out.
