Ruben Amorim has confirmed that Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee has been dropped for the Premier League match against Leeds United for tactical reasons. The manager made one change from the draw with Wolves, bringing Leny Yoro into the starting line-up at Zirkzee's expense.
Patrick Dorgu is expected to start in the right-sided No.10 role after impressing in an advanced position against Newcastle on Boxing Day, where he scored a volley from the edge of the box to secure a 1-0 victory.
Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo are absent from the squad again, while captain Bruno Fernandes remains unavailable following a muscle injury sustained against Aston Villa before Christmas. Speaking to TNT Sports ahead of kick-off, Amorim explained the decision: 'It was just thinking about what we are going to face today, trying to make the team comfortable to win the game and we don't have a lot of options, but we are ready to be competitive.'
When asked about the historic rivalry with Leeds, Amorim played it down, saying: 'Everyone in the club talks about that, but I need to focus on what I can change and what I can help the players inside the pitch and outside the pitch with and it is for the fans. It helps to have this kind of environment in football.'
Leeds secured a point in a goalless draw at Liverpool on Thursday night, meaning United have benefited from two extra days of preparation for the clash in West Yorkshire. United are sixth in the Premier League table after drawing with Wolves earlier this week.
