Manchester United’s trip to Elland Road to play Leeds United on Sunday has more significance than just three points as both teams look to start 2026 on a high. United arrive in mixed form after ending 2025 with a 1-1 draw at home to Wolves, a result that frustrated fans and exposed persistent defensive problems despite moments of attacking promise. With a total of three points against the ten men of Everton, West Ham Bournemouth and Wolves, this is a horrific return, leaving us in sixth place in the table and needing more consistency if they are to challenge for a place in the top four.
Leeds, on the other hand, are enjoying a revival under manager Daniel Farke, going six league games unbeaten and showing more resilience than earlier in the season. Their recent form has taken them out of immediate danger and their home performances, with goals in seven consecutive games at Elland Road, have given supporters renewed confidence.
The history between United and Leeds adds an extra dimension to Sunday’s match. Traditionally one of the fiercest rivalries in English football, in recent decades United have dominated head-to-head matches in the Premier League era, winning far more than Leeds.
Leeds’ recent games against United are not new in the context of the current season, as our last Premier League meeting took place last season, but the Yorkshire club have taken heart from the way they have competed against the top sides this season and will look to bring this to bear for their own fans.
Injury and availability issues are a major topic of discussion ahead of this match. For United, Ruben Amorim has a long list of absentees. Key figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt are all still sidelined with injuries, and trio Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are absent from the Africa Cup of Nations. Amorim confirmed in his pre-match press conference that he does not expect any of his injured stars to be fit for the Leeds match. He said, “We’ll see tomorrow… I don’t think anyone will recover, but we’ll see.” He acknowledged the importance of the rivalry and pointed to the ‘big derby’ atmosphere that awaits, but stressed that every match in the Premier League is tough.
Leeds also suffer from absences due to the suspension of captain Ethan Ampadu, while Daniel James, Sean Longstaff and Joe Rodon are sidelined. United fans can at least be relieved that their former player James will not embarrass them on Sunday. There are also doubts over Luis Sinisterra, Liam Cooper and Marc Roca, adding to the challenges Farke faces in selecting his strongest eleven.
Given the spate of injuries at United, formation plans will be affected by availability, but the most likely structure for Amorim is a 4-2-3-1 formation that offers some balance defensively while still allowing counter-attacks. This will likely mean a repeat of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte in midfield, with the wide forwards and number ten position providing the most attacking spark, and a lone striker supported by pace and instant transitions. It is expected that Patrick Dorgu will start again, while youth players such as Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey may be called upon at some point.
Leeds, under Farke, often deployed in a 3-5-2 or 3-4-1-2, relying on wing-backs for width and two forwards to stretch the defense. A revitalized Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is in excellent form and scoring consistently, will be a key threat for the hosts. The former Everton striker has scored seven goals in his last seven games against the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Sunderland.
This match promises intensity, local pride and tactical intrigue, with United looking to move up and Leeds determined to continue their rejuvenation. United have too often failed to take advantage of teams around them dropping points. Please let it be a different story this weekend.
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