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Manchester United’s age-old rivalry with Leeds United gives the teams’ latest meeting “a little bit of a twist to it,” Red Devils head coach Michael Carrick says.
Victory at Old Trafford could move the hosts 10 points inside the likely Champions League qualification positions with six matches remaining, while Leeds are aiming to increase their cushion over the relegation zone as the Whites bid to secure Premier League football next season.
“It’s something you’ve got to thrive on and understand… what it means for the wider picture for so many people in different ways,” Carrick said of the evocative fixture.
“We’re just all aware of what the game means to the football club, to the supporters.”
Pascal Struijk was the hero of Leeds’ win on penalties at West Ham in the FA Cup quarter-finals last Sunday, scoring the decisive spot kick.
“I am very much an optimist because I always go into games thinking that we can win, thinking that we can play better,” explained the defender.
“We have to show great team spirit, quality on the ball and very good solid defensive behaviour.
“[United] have individual quality, so it will be a very tough challenge for us.”
Team news for Manchester United v Leeds
United will make a late decision on whether Lisandro Martinez will replace suspended centre-back Harry Maguire on a potential return from five matches out with a calf injury.
Patrick Dorgu is out with a hamstring problem but fellow full-back Diogo Dalot should be fit following illness.
Centre-back Matthijs de Ligt is recovering his rehabilitiation from a back issue.
Defender Joe Rodon and midfielder Anton Stach (both ankle) and winger Daniel James (adductor) are out for Leeds.
Left-back Gabi Gudmundsson (groin), centre-back Jaka Bijol (knock) and forward Noah Okafor (back) are doubts.
