Carrick under pressure

Manchester United go to Elland Road on 18 October with the worst start to a league season under Michael Carrick in 40 years, according to The New York Times. The club have won once in six Premier League games, were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Brighton & Hove Albion, and lost 2-0 at Atlético Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, 13 October. The Guardian describes it as United's poorest start since 1986, with six points from the first six league games. Carrick took interim charge in January and was later appointed permanently, after a third-place finish that secured Champions League qualification.

Martínez's public criticism

Lisandro Martínez criticised the club's hierarchy after the Atlético defeat, singling out director of football Jason Wilcox over an underwhelming summer transfer window. The Evening Standard reports that he also accused some team-mates of not working hard enough. Martínez said he expected more investment and more from the technical director. Carrick addressed the comments at a press conference on Friday, 16 October, and played down any rift.

“It's really not a drama for us as a group," he said.”

Carrick pointed to a positive mood in the squad and said the group had moved on quickly. Commentators have questioned how much of that message can be taken at face value, given the scrutiny on United since the Atlético game.

Leeds' form and injuries

Leeds have lost only one of their six league games this season, a 2-1 defeat at Arsenal in their last match, where they came from behind. They beat Newcastle United 4-1 at home, drew with Crystal Palace and lost 6-3 at Chelsea, which ended their League Cup hopes. Leeds are back in the top flight after winning the Championship two seasons ago and have an eye on the top four. Daniel Farke's only confirmed absentee is Joe Rodon, who has missed five matches since hamstring damage in the 1-1 draw with Brentford on 30 August.

“Joe will still miss this game.”

Farke said the injury was expected to last eight to 10 weeks and that Leeds are now in week seven. Daniel James is back in training after a back problem that kept him out for around 10 days, including the Arsenal match. Farke said there were no fresh issues across the squad.

Timeline to kick-off

The run-up to the match has moved quickly for both clubs. Rodon's injury came on 30 August, the Atlético defeat followed on 13 October, and Carrick faced questions on 16 October. Kick-off at Elland Road is at 2pm local time (13:00 GMT) on 18 October, and Al Jazeera Sport will carry build-up from 9:00 GMT.

For United, a result at Leeds would show whether the squad can recover its form, with the wider debate about Wilcox and the summer window still unresolved.