Ruben Amorim should be looking to give one exciting player an opportunity in Manchester United’s upcoming clash against Leeds.
Manchester United will look to turn the page on 2025 as Ruben Amorim prepares to lead his side into the new year, starting with a stern test away at Elland Road against Leeds United on Sunday.
The past year brought plenty of frustration for United, with crucial setbacks including a Europa League final defeat to Tottenham and a 15th-place finish in the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
There is renewed optimism this season, however. Amorim’s men reach the halfway point sitting sixth in the table, level on points with Chelsea in fifth, while Leeds also head into the clash in confident mood.
After a difficult opening spell that saw them hovering near the bottom, Leeds have rediscovered their rhythm under Daniel Farke and are unbeaten in six matches.
That run features two draws against Liverpool and another against Sunderland, along with impressive home wins over Chelsea and Crystal Palace, ensuring plenty of momentum ahead of the Roses Derby.
Amorim must give ‘outrageous’ United star an opportunity vs Leeds
Amorim has explained that United’s injured stars are unlikely to return to action for this clash, meaning he still has a limited squad for selection.
But he has been showing in recent games that he is willing to trust the academy players. Jack Fletcher and Bendito Mantato both came on against Wolves.
Many fans, though, believed it was a mistake for Amorim to not use Shea Lacey in that game as he is the youngster who is most likely to feel confident going forward.
Lacey made his debut against Aston Villa last month but will be eager for more opportunities going forward and he should be given a chance against Leeds.
Amorim’s options in the forward line are limited and he clearly doesn’t trust Joshua Zirkzee, who was substituted at half-time against Wolves despite scoring.
Lacey has the right swagger
With limited midfield options, Amorim is likely to stick with his 3-4-3 formation at Elland Road and Lacey fits the role of the right-sided no.10 very well.
We have seen how Fletcher and Mantato looked slightly nervous on the ball, which is to be expected, but Lacey has a swagger that could help him translate to senior football. He was described by pundits as ‘absolutely outrageous’ recently.
A glimpse of that was shown during his debut when he cut inside and shot at goal against Villa. While the effort was central and easy to claim for Emi Martínez, the confidence from Lacey was clear.
Amorim needs to secure a win against Leeds but with limited options, Lacey may be the best player to play from that right side, either from the start or off the bench.
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