It feels ridiculous to say that Leeds United return to action in just six days when Daniel Farke takes his squad to Stockholm to face Manchester United at the Strawberry Arena.
Leeds begin their pre-season schedule with a clash against the bitterest of rivals in Man United. Farke’s first game for Leeds in the summer of 2023 was a pre-season friendly against Man United, in Norway.
Farke will have four new faces to pick from, with Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Gabriel Gudmundsson in the door. Leeds may hope Farke has a couple more new faces to choose from.
But Leeds have waved goodbye to four key players who were often a part of Farke’s squad. Junior Firpo is off to Real Betis, Josuha Guilavogui has left and loanees Manor Solomon and Joe Rothwell have returned.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke clapping after a Championship game against Portsmouth.
Photo by Gary Oakley/Getty Images
The three players expected to miss Leeds v Man United friendly
Leeds are expected to be without Willy Gnonto, Mateo Joseph and Brenden Aaronson for the trip to Sweden. Gnonto and Joseph have been in Slovakia this summer, representing their nation’s U21 sides.
Gnonto’s participation at the tournament ended with a red card as finalists Germany beat Italy, while Joseph and Charlie Cresswell were involved in an altercation as winners England edged past Spain.
Aaronson meanwhile, warmed the bench for Mauricio Pochettino’s side as the USMNT reached the Gold Cup final only to lose to Mexico. Aaronson scored against Trinidad & Tobago and created against Haiti.
Brenden Aaronson's shirt alongside Real Salt Lake star Diego Luna.
Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images
Early predicted XI as Leeds take on Manchester United
Goalkeeper – Karl Darlow
Leeds are trying to sign a goalkeeper, with Lyon’s Lucas Perri and Torino giant Vanja Milinkovic-Savic on the radar. But as things stand, Darlow remains first choice over Illan Meslier with the latter set to leave.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Leeds will also want to avoid Meslier picking up an injury, and therefore preventing a move. If Farke is to go full strength against Man United, to the best of his ability, then Wales’ no.1 Darlow starts in goal.
Karl Darlow in action for Wales against Belgium.
Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images
Back four – Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, Gabriel Gudmundsson
Bogle and Rodon were never in danger of losing their starting spot after mercurial seasons during 2024-25. But with Firpo gone and Pascal Struijk somewhat injury-prone, replacements were required in defence.
Bijol played on the left of central defence often for Udinese and Gudmundsson comes in as a replacement for Firpo. This is likely to be the back four that starts for Leeds on August 18 vs Everton at Elland Road.
Central midfield – Ao Tanaka, Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev
Leeds’ numbers in central midfield have gone from five to three this summer, with Guilavogui and then Rothwell leaving the club. Rothwell played for Rangers for the first time in a friendly against Barnsley.
It leaves The Whites with just Ampadu, Tanaka and Ilia Gruev. With centre-back now covered, Ampadu is not required in defence and Tanaka is the first name on the team sheet. Leeds are likely to make signings.
Leeds’ lack of signings or interest in no.10 options suggest that Farke may revert to a more defensive 4-3-3 system, removing a no.10 but packing the midfield. Gruev and Ampadu could sit behind no.8 Tanaka.
Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell of Leeds United
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Wingers – Dan James, Largie Ramazani
Solomon has returned to Tottenham after choosing to do so, with Thomas Frank keen to take a look at the Israel star this summer. Leeds could still sign him but for now, Solomon won’t be returning to Leeds.
Leeds are left with just two options with Gnonto expected to be given a longer break. Jack Harrison has returned but the chances of a return to the first team seem incredibly unlikely, and a sale is expected.
Joel Piroe, Dan James and Manor Solomon celebrate a goal against Millwall.
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
Striker – Joel Piroe
Piroe has a much stronger Patrick Bamford and new signing Nmecha to compete with. It is up for debate, who Farke prefers between Piroe and Nmecha with one-time England man Bamford likely to be back-up.
Leeds are planning to sign a big-money, starting striker after Nmecha’s arrival but between now and the clash against Man United, the chances are that Piroe starts up top ahead of the clash in Sweden.
Predicted Leeds XI to face Manchester United: Karl Darlow; Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, Gabriel Gudmundsson; Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, Ao Tanaka; Dan James, Joel Piroe, Largie Ramazani.