Leeds United vs Man United line-up prediction: Amorim reverts to four at the back

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·3. Januar 2026

Leeds United vs Man United line-up prediction: Amorim reverts to four at the back

Manchester United head to Elland Road tomorrow to face an in-form Leeds United side hoping to get one over on their North-West rivals in front of a hostile Yorkshire crowd baying for blood.

At the pre-match press conference, Ruben Amorim said it was unlikely that any of his injured stars would have recovered in time for the game, although he did hint there might be a chance with two days of training left.

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Matthijs de Ligt has reportedly returned to the grass, but the more likely returnees are Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount. However, for our predicted XI we have assumed that it will be the bench at best for anyone who does pass a late fitness test, leaving head coach Ruben Amorim with the same options as were at his disposal against Wolves on Tuesday.

Defence

Senne Lammens will be in goal following his Man-of-the-Match performance against Wolves.

Amorim’s successful experiment with four at the back against Newcastle was abandoned for the Wolves debacle, so we expect it to be reinstated at Leeds, with Diogo Dalot at right-back, Ayden Heaven and Lisandro Martinez as the centre-backs, and Luke Shaw at left-back.

Leny Yoro is another option. Noussair Mazraoui is still at AFCON. Like De Ligt, Harry Maguire is out injured.

Midfield and Attack

Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte will remain in the twin pivot despite a poor showing against the Midlands side.

Patrick Dorgu is expected to revert to the right-wing role where he excelled against the Magpies, with Josh Zirkzee playing in the hole and Matheus Cunha on the left.

Ben Sesko will once again lead the line.

Should any of Mount, Mainoo or Fernandes be fit enough to start, they will likely come in as a direct replacement for the Dutchman.