Local rivals Manchester United and Leeds United kick off their 2021-22 campaign in the Saturday lunchtime fixture.
Manchester United finished second last season; however were beaten in the Europa League final, ending the season on a sour note.
They have made just two signings so far; however both Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane will improve the squad considerably.
Leeds United enjoyed an excellent first season back in the Premier League, earning a top half finish and just three points off a European finish.
Marcelo Bielsa signed a new deal on the eve of the season and their biggest addition ahead of Saturday is defender Junior Firpo from Barcelona.
Match history
Manchester United thrashed Leeds 6-2 in the meeting at Old Trafford last term, with both Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes scoring twice.
Last five Premier League meetings
Leeds United 0 Manchester United 0 – 25/04/21
Manchester United 6 Leeds United 2 – 20/12/20
Manchester United 1 Leeds United 1 – 21/02/04
Leeds United 0 Manchester United 1 – 18/10/03
Manchester United 2 Leeds United 1 – 05/03/03
Team news
Neither of the new United signings are expected to start here and Varane is likely to miss out completely.
Dean Henderson is unlikely to be available as he struggles with long-COVID, whilst both Marcus Rashford and Alex Telles are injured.
Bielsa has admitted Kalvin Phillips may not start Leeds’ opener after his involvement at Euro 2020 meant he returned to pre-season later.
Both Firpo and Diego Llorente are injury doubts for the visitors.
Expected starting XI’s
Manchester United (4-3-3): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw; Fernandes, Matic, Pogba; Greenwood, Martial, James
Leeds United (4-3-3): Meslier; Ayling, Struijk, Cooper, Dallas; Raphinha, Rodrigo, Koch, Klich, Harrison; Bamford
Predictions
Result: Manchester United
Both sides have had mixed pre-seasons; however the hosts should edge this one
Correct Score: 2-1
There was eight goals when the pair met at Old Trafford last term and there should be a few here
Anytime goalscorer: Anthony Martial
Injury hampered Martial’s 2020-21 season; however he will be confident going into the new campaign
