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Premier League giants Manchester United have been quite inconsistent in the 2021-22 season. With the arrival of Ralf Rangnick as their manager, the Red Devils have shown some improvement but still have a long way to go from strongly challenging for the title.
Their most recent 2-0 win against Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford surely helped their morale. That being said, United will have to be a lot more efficient in front of goal if they are to qualify for the Champions League.
The Premier League top-four race involves Manchester United
Manchester United currently sit fourth in the Premier League table but face tough competition from Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers to play in the Champions League next season.
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They face Leeds United on Sunday at Elland Road and a victory is a must for them. Leeds have their own struggles as they face a challenge to avoid relegation this campaign. Let's take a look at the players who could be part of United's starting eleven for this fixture.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK: David de Gea
The Spanish goalkeeper has been in great form this season, and is back making phenomenal saves. David de Gea has been United's savior more often than not this term.
The 31-year-old goalkeeper has made 88 saves in the league this season and will play a key role against Leeds United. De Gea will be visiting the Elland Road fully filled with supporters for the first time in his career.
RB: Diogo Dalot
Diogo Dalot has been given considerably more chances under Ralf Rangnick, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka stuck on the bench. The Portuguese full-back has been quite adventurous on the right but needs more consistency.
He has been guilty of being sloppy and out of position at the back. This is something Dalot will have to take great care of when they face Leeds on Sunday.
CB: Raphael Varane
Due to a stomach issue, Raphael Varane missed the chance to start against Brighton but is expected to be back for United on Sunday. The Frenchman has shown signs of how great a defender he is but still needs a bit more game-time to impose his presence.
Victor Lindelof is another option for Manchester United on Sunday but given Ralf Rangnick's preference so far, he is likely to go with Varane. Leeds are dangerous on the counter and will be testing the French defender's resilience.
CB: Harry Maguire
The Manchester United captain has struggled with his form this season. Harry Maguire had a superb time last campaign but has been quite poor in the current one.
His decision-making and defending have come under scrutiny time and again and it is time for the former Leicester City defender to step up. Maguire's leadership and defensive game-play have to be at their best on Sunday or else he might soon end up on the bench.
LB: Luke Shaw
The English full-back was expected to continue his great form from last season but sadly for United, it hasn't happened. Luke Shaw, when on song, is one of the finest attacking left-backs in the Premier League.
While he has impressed in bits and parts, his overall gameplay hasn't been up to the mark. Nevertheless, he remains United's first-choice left-back and is expected to start against Leeds.
CM: Paul Pogba
Manchester United's performances in the Premier League have looked much better when Paul Pogba is on the pitch. The Frenchman's future at the club is uncertain but his presence has surely helped Ralf Rangnick with his tactics.
Using his box-to-box abilities and amazing creativity, Pogba orchestrates the flow of the game. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to see the best of him at United but it hasn't been that bad either.
The French midfielder has assisted nine times this season and was instrumental in United's second goal against Brighton in midweek. Given Leeds' vulnerability at the back, Pogba should be a useful asset in the game on Sunday.
CM: Scott McTominay
One of Manchester United's positive prospects since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement has been Scott McTominay. The Scottish midfielder has been highly rated by almost every manager to manage since.
He is definitely a powerhouse in midfield with his intense work-rate, aggression and smart tackling. McTominay is often criticized for his inability to make incisive passes, but his other parts of the game have come in very handy.
With the absence of a natural midfielder, the Scotsman seems to be the best option right now at United. He is expected to start against Leeds and if things go fine, he may be subbed off to stay fresh for the fixture against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
CAM: Bruno Fernandes
Ever since his arrival in 2020, Bruno Fernandes has been a big player for Manchester United. His creativity and goal contributions have been immense for the Red Devils.
In just 75 Premier League appearances so far, Bruno has managed to score 34 goals and register 24 assists. Despite not being in the best of form this season, the Portuguese midfielder has scored eight goals and registered five assists.
Without a doubt, Bruno Fernandes remains a vital player for United in their aspirations to play in the Champions League next season. He will definitely start against Leeds and hopefully can come up with a goal contribution or two.
RW: Marcus Rashford
Manchester United's form in the Premier League has been inconsistent, as have many of their players. Marcus Rashford is one of their star players but has struggled with his performances this season.
Having been sidelined with injuries in the early stages of the campaign, the English forward has managed to start just nine times in the league. In his 16 appearances, Marcus Rashford has scored four goals and registered two assists.
His decision-making has been questionable and it is evident that the 24-year old lacks a bit of confidence right now. That being said, Rashford can bounce back strongly and is expected to start ahead of Anthony Elanga against Leeds United.
LW: Jadon Sancho
Manchester United were finally able to sign Jadon Sancho at the start of the season after chasing his signature for more than a year. After taking his time to settle in, the Englishman finally looks to have gained some form.
Sancho has looked impressive in the past few games and is showing signs of the threat he possesses in the attack. Although he has just two league goals to his name, the young winger is getting better at his dribbling and link-ups on the pitch.
Given his current form, Sancho is very much likely to start against Leeds. With the Whites having their own struggles at the back, the former Borussia Dortmund forward could expose them on Sunday.
ST: Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo surprised plenty when he decided to return to Manchester United last summer. It was a dream come true for most United fans.
With his experience and goal-scoring abilities, the Portuguese has been decent this season but has struggled to bring in the ruthlessness he normally has. Despite that, Ronaldo has gone on to score nine times this campaign and registered three assists.
Edinson Cavani is struggling to get fit in time to face Leeds United and it is likely that the Portuguese captain will be leading the attack. Ralf Rangnick will be keen to get Ronaldo some rest given the midweek fixture against Atletico Madrid.
