Beleaguered Manchester United head to fierce rivals Leeds United on Sunday, as the pressure continues to build on Michael Carrick and those above him.
After their poor display, and defeat, at Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League in midweek, United center back Lisandro Martinez hit out at sporting director Jason Wilcox and the hierarchy about how they've built the squad. After just two wins from their first nine games of the season, all is not well in the red half of Manchester.
Across the Pennines, Daniel Farke's Leeds were unbeaten until their trip to Arsenal last weekend as they took the lead but ended up losing 2-1. There's no shame in that and Leeds have clearly improved over the summer with some key additions hitting the ground running as they aim to push for a top 10 finish this season.
How to watch Leeds United vs Manchester United live, stream link and start time
Kick off time:9am ET Sunday (October 18)
Venue: Elland Road — West Yorkshire
TV Channel: USA
Stream link: Watch on USA
Leeds United team news
Farke is without Mateo Joseph and Joe Rodon, while Dan James remains a doubt. Leeds have had a really settled team to start the season with Dominic Calvert-Lewin leading the line superbly in attack, while new center back Tarik Muharemovic has been a revelation. Leeds will press high, whip in crosses and try to make it as uncomfortable as possible as early as possible for Man United. And it will be loud at Elland Road.
Manchester United team news
There are plenty of injury issues for United to contend with as Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo missed the trip to Atletico in midweek. Striker Benjamin Sesko remains out, while Matthijs de Ligt could make an appearance after his lengthy back issue. Patrick Dorgu and Manuel Ugarte remain out, while Noussair Mazraoui is a doubt. Something has to change drastically for United in midfield and it seems like Carlos Baleba and Youri Tielemans could get the nod to start there together.
Leeds United vs Manchester United prediction
My word this is a difficult one to call. A draw is probably about right, but given where both teams are at right now I'm going for a Leeds victory. They are more confident and clinical. Leeds United 2-1 Manchester United.