admin Manchester United’s first friendly of the summer takes place against Leeds this Wednesday, kicking off at 4pm.
United started pre-season with a 4-0 win over Liverpool last year, with manager Erik ten Haag making a drastic change at half-time.
A similar approach is expected here, with the top priority being to give as many players as possible as much time as possible to start building fitness for the game.
Many top team players will be unable to participate due to international duties in June. They are due to return to Carrington later this week.
Manchester United v Leeds
When United considered the strongest eleven they could pick earlier this week, there were a number of high-profile omissions in the touring side.
Anthony, Donny van de Beek, Anthony Martial and Dean Henderson will all remain, presumably for fitness reasons, but the goalkeeper is expected to be sold.
As this breakdown of team options shows, this left United behind in attack.
Goalkeepers: Tom Heaton, Nathan Bishop, Matej Kovar.
Defenders: Alvaro Fernandez, Rhys Bennett, Will Fish, Marc Jurado, Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Brandon Williams.
Midfielders: Toby Collyer, Fred, Dan Gore, Hannibal, Isak Hansen-Aaroen, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Maxi Oyedele, Charlie Savage.
Forwards: Amad, Noam Emeran, Omari Forson, Joe Hugill, Jadon Sancho, Shola Shoretire.
Predicted Manchester United XI
Antony and Anthony Martial’s absences leaves Erik ten Hag really stretched in attack, especially considering he would like to play two different XIs.
Tom Heaton is expected to start in goal, while Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Aaron Wan-Bissaka is almost a first choice defence.
Brandon Williams should complete the back four with Alvaro Fernandez getting the nod in the second half.
United’s midfield could see wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo get the nod. The teen, now 18, made his first team debut under Erik ten Hag last season, starting in the Carabao Cup.
He could start alongside Fred and Mason Mount as part of a midfield trio.
The front three is harder to predict, with Jadon Sancho the only senior player available.
There could be a popular call for Amad in attack, who could lead the line or play out on the wing. We predict Hannibal could end up playing as a false nine, a role he has played before, as a temporary measure.
Joe Hugill and Shola Shoretire could get minutes in the second half, while don’t rule out a surprise impact from exciting winger Omari Forson.
