Confirmed Man United XI vs. Leeds: Mainoo misses out as Sesko starts

Manchester United will attempt to capitalise on weekend slips by Aston Villa and Chelsea when they host Leeds United this evening, with interim coach Carrick unveiling a line-up showing one enforced change and a surprise in attack.

Senne Lammens retains his place between the posts, while the back four is reshaped by both fitness and disciplinary issues. Diogo Dalot has not yet regained full readiness after sitting out the club’s Dublin training camp, so Noussair Mazraoui steps in at right-back. Luke Shaw returns on the left, and with Harry Maguire suspended, teenage centre-back Leny Yoro partners the recently recovered Lisandro Martínez in the heart of defence.

The midfield axis that has become Carrick’s staple selection is broken up by Kobbie Mainoo’s minor injury. Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte will form the double pivot, shielding the defence and launching attacks. Ahead of them, captain Bruno Fernandes continues his pursuit of the Premier League’s single-season assist record of 20, jointly held by Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry.

In the final third, Matheus Cunha retains the left-sided attacking slot, with Amad Diallo providing width on the right. The striking role sees a change as Bryan Mbeumo drops to the bench, paving the way for Benjamin Sesko to lead the line and shoulder United’s goal-scoring burden.

Substitutes include back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, defenders Dalot, Tyler Fredricson, and Ethan Laird, midfielders Mason Mount and Toby Fletcher, plus forwards Ethan Lacey, Mbeumo and Joshua Zirkzee.

Kick-off at Old Trafford offers United the chance to open a gap on their top-four rivals and build momentum under Carrick’s temporary stewardship.