Under-21s boss Michael Skubala led a caretaker management trio that also included Jesse Marsch’s former assistant Chris Armas and under-21s development coach Paco Gallardo for Wednesday night’s 2-2 draw at Old Trafford.
As the Whites search for a new head coach continues, Skubala will again take charge of Sunday’s ‘rematch’ at Elland Road, ahead of which Leeds have fresh injuries. The Whites lost both Luis Sinisterra and then Pascal Struijk to injuries in the first-half of Wednesday night’s draw for which captain Liam Cooper and Marc Roca were also absent due to knocks.
Struijk will definitely miss Sunday’s contest due to concussion protocols but it’s a waiting game over Sinisterra, Cooper and Roca who have not been ruled in or out. Rodrigo, Stuart Dallas, Adam Forshaw, Archie Gray and Sonny Perkins also remain sidelined and this is the Whites XI that we think will start out against the Red Devils.
7. CM - Weston McKennie
January recruit McKennie was handed his full Leeds league debut at Old Trafford and, not surprisingly, quickly got stuck in alongside fellow USA international midfielder Adams and also Jack Harrison in the middle of the park. Adams and McKennie look sure to be a formidable partnership for Leeds, just like for their country, and a full home debut surely awaits for McKennie on Sunday afternoon. Photo: Michael Regan
8. CM - Jack Harrison
This is a hard one to call as much depends on whether Skubala's team opt for two men or three in centre midfield and Marc Roca would also likely start if fit. But Roca has to be some sort of doubt after completely missing out at Old Trafford and perhaps a three-man midfield will be the call with Harrison alongside Adams and McKennie but slightly more advanced in a sort of no 10 role. Photo: Stu Forster
9. RW - Crysencio Summerville
Another tough one to assess. Luis Sinisterra started on the right of a front three at Old Trafford but suffered what looked like a muscular problem in just the eighth minute and was forced off. Like Roca, Sinisterra might be fine to start but Skubala said Leeds would have to wait and see despite being hopeful and it's not hard to see a change which might have been forthcoming in any case given the attacking options available. New record signing Georginio Rutter, Brenden Aaronson and exciting winger Summerville were the main options after Sinisterra went off and Summerville was given the call which suggests he might get a start on Sunday. The second of two changes but no surprise if Rutter, Aaronson or Sinisterra start there instead. Photo: OLI SCARFF
10. LW - Willy Gnonto
The golden boy who struck after just 56 seconds to put Leeds 1-0 up at Old Trafford. Gnonto said afterwards that he's aiming for the same again on Sunday. Yes please. A massively exciting talent who is already Leeds United's star man at just 19 years of age. Photo: Naomi Baker
11. ST - Patrick Bamford
Rodrigo remains injured so it's a case of either Bamford or Rutter upfront. Bamford got the nod at Old Trafford, playing 63 minutes in the role before being replaced like for like by Rutter in the no 9 position. It's still early days for Rutter who could also play out wide another start looks likely for Bamford. Photo: Michael Regan