Manchester United’s pursuit of a first top-four finish in the Premier League since the 2022/23 season resumes on Monday as they take on old rivals Leeds United at Old Trafford.

It has been 24 days since the Red Devils’ last match, but manager Michael Carrick took advantage of the extended break to work on United’s chemistry during a four-day training camp in Dublin.

Carrick’s side headed into the March international break on the back of a dramatic 2-2 draw at Bournemouth, which saw the visitors drop the lead twice in the second half.

Despite that setback at the Vitality Stadium, the 20-time English champions boasted a handsome seven-point lead over sixth-placed Chelsea ahead of this round.

With the Blues facing title-bidding Manchester City on Sunday, this could be a perfect chance for Man Utd to pull further clear in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification.

However, Leeds ought to be confident at the Theatre of Dreams after squeezing past West Ham United on penalties to secure their first appearance in the FA Cup semi-finals in 39 years.

Fighting tooth and nail to avoid relegation, Daniel Farke’s side won’t go down without a fight, with just three points separating them from 18th-placed Tottenham Hotspur ahead of Spurs’ Sunday clash against Sunderland.

Awkward moment

A lack of competitive action could disrupt United’s rhythm, raising concerns about potential rustiness heading into this must-win fixture, though it’s fair to say that the international break came at an opportune moment for the hosts.

Man Utd have picked up just one win in their last three league matches (D1, L1), courtesy of a 3-1 drubbing of fellow top-five rivals Aston Villa in their most recent outing at Old Trafford.

That victory forms part of United’s dominant home run of nine consecutive Premier League games at the Theatre of Dreams without losing (W6, D3). Indeed, their last home defeat in the top flight came in November.

Moreover, Carrick has won all six league matches here since replacing Ruben Amorim at the helm in January, with only three managers piecing together a longer winning start at home in the competition than the 44-year-old.

Carrick’s remarkable home start can inspire optimism ahead of Leeds’ visit, with the Red Devils aiming to avoid going winless in both league meetings with the Whites since the 1994/95 season.

Out-of-sorts opposition

Despite last Sunday’s heroics at London Stadium, Leeds’ recent Premier League form doesn’t look promising, as they’ve failed to win any of their last six top-flight games (D4, L2).

Farke’s misfiring side drew a blank four times during that underwhelming sequence. That must be music to Man Utd’s ears after Harry Maguire received a red card at the Vitality Stadium.

Though Carrick cannot call upon the English centre-back, Lisandro Martinez resumed full training during the break and could take Maguire’s place in the starting XI on Monday.

In addition to the Argentine star, the break has benefited Mason Mount, who is gunning for his first Premier League start since mid-January, as United aim to protect their formidable home record against Leeds.

It’s been over 45 years since the Whites’ last league triumph at Old Trafford (D7, L11), yet based on their recent away run, they could still frustrate the Red Devils here.

Leeds’ last and only away league win of the season came at relegation-bound Wolverhampton Wanderers in October (D7, L7), but they’ve shared the spoils in their last four Premier League games outside Elland Road.

To put their newfound resilience in perspective, they avoided defeat against Man Utd’s bitter top-five rivals Chelsea and Villa during that stretch, suggesting they’re no longer an idle threat on the road. 

However, with Bruno in award-winning form, Sekso scoring from anywhere and an almost fully fit (and well-rested) squad to call upon, this should be a good game for United and ideal preparation ahead of the weekend trip to Stamford Bridge.

Prediction: Man Utd 3-1 Leeds.