Leeds United will host Manchester United at Elland Road on Sunday in an important Pennines derby.
Leeds enters 2026 with confidence after a strong 0-0 draw at Anfield on New Year’s Day. This result has given Daniel Farke’s team a six-game unbeaten streak, placing them seven points above the relegation zone. However, Leeds has not won against Manchester United since 2002, making this a challenging encounter.
On the other hand, Manchester United is facing pressure following a lackluster 1-1 draw at home against Wolves. Ruben Amorim’s side is currently sixth in the league and remains close to Champions League spots, though inconsistency has been a concern. Recently, United has performed well against promoted teams, remaining unbeaten in their last 25 matches. This game is an important opportunity for Amorim to build team morale ahead of a tough January.
Leeds United vs Manchester United – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Sunday, 4 January 2026
- Kick-off: 12:30 GMT
- Venue: Elland Road, Leeds
- Referee: Jarred Gillett
- VAR: James Bell
- Last Meeting: Manchester United 0-0 Leeds, 19 July 2025
Team News
Leeds United
Daniel Farke faces defensive challenges due to suspensions and injuries. Captain Ethan Ampadu is out after receiving his fifth yellow card against Liverpool. Centre-back Joe Rodon is also sidelined with an ankle injury, and Sean Longstaff and Daniel James will miss the match as well. However, Farke remains hopeful that Sebastiaan Bornauw and Ilia Gruev can play, as their injuries were minor.
Manchester United
Ruben Amorim announced that eight senior players will not travel to Leeds. Captain Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo are sidelined with hamstring and calf issues, respectively. Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are also out due to injury. Additionally, several players are away at the Africa Cup of Nations. Joshua Zirkzee and Matheus Cunha are likely to lead the attack in their absence.
Form
Leeds United
Leeds has made Elland Road a tough venue, earning 15 of their 21 points at home this season. They have scored at least three goals in their last three home matches. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is in excellent form, with seven goals in his last six league games, aiming to become the first Leeds player since 2004 to score in four straight home matches.
Manchester United
United’s away form raises concerns, having conceded at least once in their last 14 away games. They have also dropped 12 points from winning positions this season. Nevertheless, summer signings Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha have consistently posed a threat in attack, which may be crucial against a weakened Leeds defense.
Predicted Lineups
Leeds United predicted XI: Perri; Bogle, Bijol, Struijk; Justin, Stach, Aaronson, Tanaka, Gudmundsson; Calvert-Lewin, Okafor
Manchester United predicted XI: Lammens; Dalot, Heaven, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Ugarte; Dorgu, Zirkzee, Cunha; Sesko
How to watch Leeds United vs Manchester United?
The match will be live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate in the UK, starting at 11:00 GMT on Sunday.
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