Manchester United Prepare for Leeds Test in Dublin

Manchester United step into Croke Park this evening with the Premier League season suddenly very close on the horizon. Two friendlies left, Hull City away on August 22 looming large, and Michael Carrick’s team sheet starting to look a lot more like the real thing.

This is no gentle run-out either. Leeds, even in pre-season, always bring an edge.

Carrick tightens the spine

In goal, Senne Lammens is set for his first start of the summer after illness ruled him out of the clash with Paris Saint-Germain. United have managed his return carefully; Dublin should be his chance to stake a claim.

At right-back, Noussair Mazraoui started against PSG, but Carrick is expected to lean towards Diogo Dalot this time to bank more minutes for the Portuguese defender. The centre of defence could also see a tweak. Ayden Heaven struggled on Saturday, so a partnership of Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro looks the logical adjustment as the manager edges closer to his likely competitive pairing.

Midfield puzzle as Mount fitness watched

Pre-season has already thrown up one clear positive: Andrey Santos and Mason Mount have built a promising understanding in midfield. They have moved the ball quickly, pressed with intent, and given United a more modern shape in the middle of the pitch.

Then came Gothenburg. Mount was withdrawn midway through the first half, prompting a flicker of concern. Both player and manager stressed the change was precautionary, but with the season so close, Carrick has no reason to gamble. That opens the door for Youri Tielemans to make his first start of the summer alongside Santos, a pairing that would offer control on the ball and experience off it.

Ahead of them, Bruno Fernandes is ready to step properly into his usual role. The captain played his first minutes of pre-season at the weekend and is expected to start at No.10, taking the spot occupied by Shea Lacey. The teenager impressed enough to stay in the first-team conversation, and the club expects him to feature more regularly over the coming campaign, but this stage of pre-season belongs to the senior core.

Rashford returns, but waits

Marcus Rashford is back with the group in Dublin, his situation one of the more intriguing storylines of United’s summer. His future remains uncertain, yet he has been reintegrated into training this week and folds back into the matchday picture here.

Even so, a starting role is unlikely. The same applies to Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez, who have only just returned from World Cup duty. Carrick knows he needs them sharp for the real thing, not overworked in August.

Wide options and the centre-forward call

On the right flank, Amad did enough on Saturday to keep his place. Direct, tidy on the ball, and busy out of possession, he gave Carrick exactly what any manager wants in pre-season: a problem when it comes to leaving him out.

On the left, Patrick Dorgu is expected to continue his education in the role. He remains raw, but Carrick has shown faith in his ability to adapt, and these are the games to learn in. Matheus Cunha is another option if, like Lammens, he has fully shaken off the illness that sidelined him at the weekend.

Up front is where the big wish collides with reality. Carrick would love to start Benjamin Sesko, the striker who last featured in the win over Liverpool at Old Trafford last season. His presence would instantly change the dynamic of United’s attack. For now, though, Sesko is still working back towards full sharpness.

That leaves Bryan Mbeumo as the obvious solution. One of the standout performers of United’s pre-season, he has carried threat, intelligence and energy through every outing. Using him as the central striker feels close to automatic until Sesko is ready to lead the line again.

United arrive in Dublin with questions still to answer, but the outline of Carrick’s team is taking shape. Against Leeds, in front of a big crowd at Croke Park, those outlines will start to harden into something that looks a lot like his opening-day XI.