The historic rivalry between Leeds United and Manchester United reignites at Elland Road on January 4, 2026, in a Premier League clash that's sure to deliver drama.
With Leeds on an impressive unbeaten run and Manchester United desperate to kickstart their top-four push, this match promises high stakes and intense action.
Match Preview and Recent Form
Leeds United, under Daniel Farke, have turned their season around, going unbeaten in their last six Premier League games. This includes gritty draws with Liverpool (twice, 0-0 and 3-3), a convincing 4-1 win over Crystal Palace, and a shock victory against Chelsea. Currently sitting 16th after 19 matches with a goal differential of -7, the Whites have climbed seven points clear of the relegation zone, thanks to dominant home performances
where they've earned seven points from their last three outings. Their defensive resilience shone in a goalless draw at Anfield, but vulnerabilities remain, having conceded 32 goals this season.
Manchester United, managed by Ruben Amorim, enter 2026 on shaky ground after a disappointing 1-1 draw with bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers. With just one win in their last four games, including a 4-4 thriller against Bournemouth and a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa, the Red Devils boast the league's third-best attack (33 goals) but rank 14th in goals conceded (29). United haven't kept a clean sheet in 14 away league matches, highlighting a soft underbelly that Leeds could exploit. Head-to-head, United dominate with three wins and two draws in the last five meetings, their most recent a 2-0 victory at Elland Road in February 2023.
Leeds vs Manchester United Team News and Injuries
Leeds face setbacks with Ethan Ampadu suspended after his fifth yellow card and Joe Rodon sidelined by an ankle injury, likely seeing Sebastiaan Bornauw step in despite recent cramp issues. Dan James is absent, while Sean Longstaff nears a return but won't feature. Farke is expected to recall in-form striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor after benching them against Liverpool.
For Manchester United, captain Bruno Fernandes (5 goals, 7 assists) remains out injured, joined by Kobbie Mainoo and defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire. Key attackers Bryan Mbeumo (6 goals) and Amad Diallo are away at the Africa Cup of Nations, as is right-back Noussair Mazraoui. Mason Mount could return from a minor issue, potentially replacing Joshua Zirkzee.
Leeds vs Man United Predicted Lineups
Leeds United (3-5-2): Perri; Bornauw, Bijol, Struijk; Bogle, Stach, Tanaka, Gruev, Gudmundsson; Calvert-Lewin, Okafor.
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Heaven, MartÍnez, Shaw; Casemiro, Ugarte; Dorgu, Zirkzee, Cunha; Sesko.
Leeds vs Man United Prediction
This clash pits Leeds' home grit against United's attacking flair, but absences could tilt it toward a cagey affair. Leeds' energy and Elland Road atmosphere might frustrate a depleted United side lacking creativity without Fernandes and Mbeumo. However, United's superior goal threat, led by Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, gives them the edge in a tight contest. We can expect goals in it but the home team may just edge past the Red Devils in this contest.
Score: Leeds 2-1 Man United
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