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A first glimpse of new-look Leeds United has been gleaned and big decisions appear to have led to a new best XI and bench.
Daniel Farke’s Whites took on Manchester United in the club’s first pre-season friendly in Stockholm on Saturday and had five new signings either starting or on the bench.
Giant new centre back Jaka Bijol and new striker Lukas Nmecha both took their places in the starting line up whilst left back Gabriel Gudmundsson, defender Sebastiaan Bornauw and latest signing midfielder Sean Longstaff all began on the bench.
Gudmundsson, Bornauw and Longstaff were then brought on for the second half but it was after the game that Farke delivered the biggest Whites news of the day. Patrick Bamford was not part of the squad and Farke revealed afterwards that he had informed the striker that he was not part of his Premier League plans.
Farke also revealed that Jack Harrison, however, who started the game, would be given every chance to work his way back into his plans after two seasons away on loan at Everton.
Another big feature of the afternoon revolved around United’s new look system, Farke opting for a 4-3-3 as opposed to last season’s 4-2-3-1, effectively playing with three centre midfielders and without a no 10.
Brenden Aaronson, Farke’s choice in the 10 position last season, was one of four other players missing, Aaronson given more time off after his busy summer with the USA at the Concacaf Gold Cup.
But with Leeds closing in on another big signing of Germany international midfielder Anton Stach, Saturday’s friendly was perhaps an indication that the changed system might be here to stay.
Taking everything into consideration, this is our idea of the new strongest XI and bench - without Stach - who would likely start in centre midfield if and when signing.
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13. Sub: Sebastiaan Bornauw
Another of the new signings and another strong option at right back or centre back who will be out to challenge for a starting berth. His presence probably takes Sam Byram and Isaac Schmidt out of the matchday squad if and when everyone is available and fit though that depends on whether Farke wants another full-back option among his subs. All good options which is what you want. | LUFC
14. Sub: Pascal Struijk
The centre-back is another player who will be keen to challenge for a starting berth but a hard task now with Bijol in the building. An option at centre-back or left back - the latter factor of which might push Sam Byram off the bench although the versatile Isaac Schmidt is an option too. | Getty Images
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15. Sub: Ilia Gruev
A player who can always be counted on and one who played every minute of United's last six games of their Championship winning campaign. The more defensive midfield option on the bench. | Getty Images
16. Sub: Ao Tanaka
Too good for the bench really but that's the way you want it in the Premier League and in any case Tanaka will be pushing hard to start. The more attacking central midfield on the bench although can operate in a deeper role too. | Getty Images
17. Sub: Jack Harrison
It won't be everyone's cup of tea but Harrison is clearly back in the mix and is a decent winger on his day with bags of Premier League experience. | Getty Images
18. Sub: Largie Ramazani
The other main winger option as it stands and another live option to start although it seems likely that another one will be coming in too. | Getty Images