No hiding place: 'Absolutely brilliant' Man Utd star set for toughest test vs in-form Leeds forward
Manchester United are set to face Leeds United at Elland Road in the Premier League this weekend.
The buzz around the encounter is already building due to the intense rivalry between the two clubs.
Leeds United arrive in a buoyant mood, riding a six-game unbeaten streak that has transformed their season.
With 21 points from 19 matches, the Whites are steadily laying the foundations for survival, knowing that the magic 40-point mark would all but secure their top-flight status.
Targets are different for Man United. Qualifying for European football is non-negotiable for both on and off-field reasons.
The Whites have to credit Dominic Calvert-Lewin for their resurgence, having scored eight league goals this season.
Seven of those strikes came in a blistering six-game spell before Leeds were held to a goalless draw by Liverpool.
Only three players in the entire league have outscored him this season.
Remarkably, Harry Kane is the only Englishman to have found the net more often.
It is little surprise that Calvert-Lewin is being widely tipped to earn a place in England’s World Cup squad this year.
Big test for Ayden Heaven
The Red Devils must aim to neutralise the threat posed by the former Everton striker.
With uncertainty around the availability of Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven is expected to retain his starting spot.
In truth, many would argue the 19-year-old deserves to start regardless, such has been the level of his recent performances.
Heaven has been operating as the central defender in a back three and even filled in at right centre-back during the 4-2-3-1 victory over Newcastle United.
Those responsibilities are unfamiliar territory for a player whose natural position is on the left side of defence.
After a difficult outing against West Ham United last month, the teenager has responded with a string of mature and assured displays.
Former United captain Gary Neville labelled him “absolutely brilliant” following his role in a rare clean sheet against the Magpies.
The former Arsenal graduate has looked calm and composed at the back.
He has also helped United progress the ball forward through his incisive distribution.
However, Calvert-Lewin will present a very different kind of examination.
At 28, the Leeds forward is ruthless inside the box, thriving on sharp movement and half-chances.
Heaven must stay switched on at all times and deny him even the smallest pocket of space.
Against a striker of Calvert-Lewin’s instincts, a single moment of hesitation could prove costly.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .