Both teams have been busy preparing for the upcoming season, with new signings and familiar faces taking part in their preseason campaigns. This friendly fixture is an excellent opportunity for the managers to test their players against quality opposition and also to experiment with different formations and strategies.
Manchester United, under the management of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, will be looking to build on their second-place finish in the Premier League last season. The Red Devils have made some significant signings in the transfer market, including the highly-rated Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund and the experienced Raphael Varane from Real Madrid. They will also be boosted by the return of Marcus Rashford, who missed the end of last season with a shoulder injury.
Solskjaer may use this game to test out his new signings and integrate them into his team. Sancho is likely to start on the right-wing, with Rashford on the left and Bruno Fernandes in the number 10 role behind the striker. Edinson Cavani is likely to start up front, with Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood also pushing for a starting spot.
Defensively, Varane is expected to partner Harry Maguire in the heart of the defense, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw providing the width as full-backs. David De Gea is likely to start in goal, although Dean Henderson will also be pushing for a starting spot.
Leeds United, managed by Marcelo Bielsa, will be looking to build on their impressive ninth-place finish in the Premier League last season. The Whites have made some shrewd signings, including the experienced Junior Firpo from Barcelona and the highly-rated winger Jack Harrison from Manchester City.
Bielsa is known for his high-intensity, attacking style of play, and he is likely to stick with his tried and tested 4-1-4-1 formation. Patrick Bamford is expected to start up front, with Harrison and Raphinha providing the width on the wings. Rodrigo is likely to start in the number 10 role, with Kalvin Phillips providing the defensive cover in midfield.
Defensively, Leeds United will be without the services of Diego Llorente, who is currently on international duty with Spain at the Tokyo Olympics. Liam Cooper is expected to partner Pascal Struijk in the heart of the defense, with Luke Ayling and Junior Firpo providing the width as full-backs. Illan Meslier is likely to start in goal, with Kiko Casilla providing backup.
In conclusion, the Manchester United versus Leeds United preseason friendly promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams looking to test their players ahead of the new season. Manchester United will be looking to build on their impressive form from last season, while Leeds United will be hoping to continue their progress under Bielsa. With some new signings and familiar faces on show, fans can expect an entertaining and competitive match at Old Trafford.