Manchester United begin their 2026 campaign with a difficult trip to Elland Road on Sunday afternoon, where they face old rivals Leeds United.
It has been nearly three years since the two sides last met competitively. On that occasion, United claimed a 2–0 victory in February 2023, with goals from Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho sealing the win.
Ruben Amorim’s men will be keen to respond after a frustrating draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday night and will be looking to set a positive tone for the year ahead.
Sunday’s clash is the first of five matches for United in January, a busy month that also includes an FA Cup third-round tie at home to Brighton & Hove Albion next weekend.
United appeared on course for victory against Wolves after Joshua Zirkzee found the net, but Ladislav Krejci’s header just before half-time ensured the points were shared.
That result followed a strong performance at Old Trafford, where United edged Newcastle United 1–0, with Patrick Dorgu scoring his first goal in a United shirt.
Leeds, however, arrive in impressive form. The Whites are unbeaten in their last six matches, with their last defeat coming in a narrow 3–2 loss to Manchester City on 29 November.
A spirited display at the Etihad boosted confidence for Daniel Farke’s newly promoted side, who then shocked Chelsea with a 3–1 win at Elland Road. That victory was followed by draws against Liverpool and Brentford, before an emphatic 4–1 triumph over Crystal Palace.
More recent stalemates against Sunderland and Liverpool have further underlined Leeds’ resilience. The Whites also held United to a draw at Old Trafford in February 2023, despite the Reds mounting a two-goal comeback.
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Manchester United will once again be without captain Bruno Fernandes, who continues to recover from the hamstring injury sustained against Aston Villa. Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount have also been sidelined in recent weeks, and Amorim confirmed in his pre-match press conference that none are expected to return in time.
Amad, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui remain unavailable as they continue their involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Leeds will be forced into at least one change, with captain Ethan Ampadu suspended after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season for a handball against Liverpool on New Year’s Day.
Joe Rodon will also miss out after suffering an ankle injury during the 1–1 draw with Sunderland shortly after Christmas. Daniel James is still working his way back from injury and is unlikely to face his former club.
However, Leeds boss Daniel Farke is hopeful that Sebastiaan Bornauw and Ilia Gruev will be fit to start, after both were forced off with cramp during the goalless draw at Anfield.
