Leeds United Clash with Manchester United: Bold Predictions, Key Lineups & Match Preview
Manchester United seek to end the remarkable undefeated run of traditional adversaries Leeds United in the Premier League this Sunday.
The disappointing stalemate against bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers in their last outing has again dampened spirits in Manchester and intensified scrutiny on Ruben Amorim from the sidelines. Luckily for the Red Devils, their main top four competitors Chelsea and Liverpool also faltered to frustrating draws during the week.
Another stalemate—or defeat—would serve as a significant source of irritation for Manchester United supporters, with missing crucial players throughout the team making matters more challenging for Amorim this weekend.
Defeating Leeds will be challenging considering the Yorkshire club's revival, as they remain undefeated in their last six fixtures. This run that started with triumph over Chelsea has featured two stalemates with Liverpool and a commanding victory against Crystal Palace.
This excellent form has enabled Leeds to distance themselves further from the drop zone and they will be filled with belief before Manchester United's arrival at Elland Road.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the match.
What Time Does Leeds vs. Man Utd Kick-Off?
Leeds vs. Man Utd Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Leeds | Man Utd |
|---|---|
Liverpool 0–0 Leeds - 01/01/26 | Man Utd 1–1 Wolves - 30/12/25 |
Sunderland 1–1 Leeds - 28/12/25 | Man Utd 1–0 Newcastle - 26/12/25 |
Leeds 4–1 Crystal Palace - 20/12/25 | Aston Villa 2–1 Man Utd - 21/12/25 |
Brentford 1–1 Leeds - 14/12/25 | Man Utd 4–4 Bournemouth - 15/12/25 |
Leeds 3–3 Liverpool - 06/12/25 | Wolves 1–4 Man Utd - 8/12/25 |
How to Watch Leeds vs. Man Utd on TV
Country | TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, discovery+, discovery+ App |
United States | USA Network, NBC Sports App, nbcsports.com |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network Canada |
Mexico | Max Mexico, TNT Sports, TNT Go |
Leeds Team News
Leeds will be missing four regular starters for the clash with their rivals as Ethan Ampadu joined three injury casualties by receiving his fifth booking of the campaign against Liverpool in their previous match. He faces a one-game ban.
Sean Longstaff is nearing fitness but remains unavailable against Man Utd, as does Dan James versus his previous club. Joe Rodon is also sidelined at the back with an ankle injury and will probably be replaced by Sebastiaan Bornauw again, though the Belgian experienced cramping against Liverpool.
Prolific forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin will rejoin the starting eleven after being rested at Anfield.
Leeds Predicted Lineup vs. Man Utd
Leeds predicted lineup vs. Man Utd (3-5-2): Perri; Bornauw, Bijol, Struijk; Bogle, Stach, Tanaka, Gruev, Gudmundsson; Calvert-Lewin, Okafor.
Man Utd Team News
Man Utd are dealing with substantial injuries throughout their roster and captain Bruno Fernandes represents their most significant absence. The Portuguese star will miss the Leeds encounter, joining fellow midfielder Kobbie Mainoo in recovery.
In attack, Mason Mount is unlikely to make his return, while Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo remain away on international service at the Africa Cup of Nations. Full-back Noussair Mazraoui is also representing tournament hosts Morocco.
Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are greatly missed in defense and will be unavailable against Leeds, potentially forcing Amorim to deploy a back four instead of his favored 3-4-2-1 formation.
Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Leeds
Man Utd predicted lineup vs. Leeds (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Heaven, Martínez, Shaw; Casemiro, Ugarte; Dorgu, Zirkzee, Cunha; Šeško.
Leeds vs. Man Utd Score Prediction
Leeds have become draw experts recently, securing stalemates in four of their previous five matches. While they will hold hopes of beating the struggling Red Devils, they're unlikely to reject another point.
Daniel Farke's squad will create significant challenges for a Man Utd side who performed poorly in their last appearance, with Fernandes's unavailability and leadership void in central defense amplifying Amorim's problems.
United have shown limited attacking flair without their captain, plus Mbeumo and Amad on the right flank, and may find it difficult to achieve more than a draw against the Whites.
Prediction: Leeds 1–1 Man Utd