Manchester United will open their 2021/22 Premier League campaign with a blockbuster fixture against Leeds United.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side managed to put six past Marcelo Bielsa’s team last season but that of course was without any spectators.

On Saturday the two sides will go head-to-head in front of what is expected to be a full Old Trafford.

This will be the first match where 70,000 or more United fans will be able to watch their team play since the Manchester derby back in March 2020.

Bamford? Harrison? Raphina?

This Leeds side proved its attacking capabilities consistently last season and without their defensive frailties perhaps could have mounted a more serious attempt at European football qualification.

With Patrick Bamford, Jack Harrison and Raphina, Leeds are a side that can be deadly on the counter.

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Raphina arguably has every quality a manager would want in a winger. His dribbling is exceptional, and he can play off either wing.

His love for crossing matches Bamford’s ability to score from inside the box and his set-pieces aren’t bad either.

Wan Bissaka can expect to be targeted

Like many sides did last year, it should come as no surprise when Leeds target Aaron Wan-Bissaka with deep balls towards United’s right-back.

With Raphina’s precise crosses, it will be vital for Luke Shaw to give no space to the Leeds winger who will look to whip left-footed crosses into the box.

Last season in the league, Raphina managed 39 successful crosses – equal to Kevin De Bruyne.

You would not have a leg to stand on if you were to argue that Solskjaer’s side were particularly good at defending set-pieces/crosses last season.

They conceded the second-most from dead balls in the league last year, but with the introduction of Raphael Varane, United will be hoping for this to change.

But it won't change in time for Saturday as Varane is still finalising his transfer from Real Madrid

New boy, Jadon Sancho, could make his debut for United but Solskjaer has not confirmed whether or not he will start the game. 

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