Leeds United vs Manchester United Predictions

A high-scoring 2-2 draw looks like the most likely result. Both teams have major injuries in defence, which leave them wide open. The atmosphere at Elland Road usually pushes Leeds to go all-out attack, which gives United’s fast forwards plenty of room to run into. Because neither side have their main defensive leaders, expect the points to be shared in a frantic game

Match info: Premier League

Venue: Elland Road, West Yorkshire

Date: Sunday, 4^th January 2026

Time: 1:30 pm Nigerian time

Not long after a disastrous result against one relegation-threatened side, Manchester United hit the road to face long-time adversaries Leeds United in Sunday's Premier League scrap at Elland Road.

Wolverhampton Wanderers collected just their third point of the season at Old Trafford in midweek, while the Whites prolonged their eye-catching unbeaten sequence at Anfield.

Head-to-head:

• Leeds United have won four of the 30 Premier League meetings between the two teams.
• Manchester United 17 recorded victories.
• The remaining nine clashes ended in draws.
• Leeds United haven’t beaten United at Elland Road in the league since 2002.
• Things usually get chaotic when these two play. You can almost count on goals. There were 24 goals in the first four meetings after Leeds came back up in 2020. That’s an average of six goals a game.
• Six of their last 10 encounters produced at least three goals.

Form:

• Leeds United in the league: D-D-W-D-D
• Leeds United in all competitions: D-D-W-D-D
• Manchester United in the league: W-D-L-W-D
• Manchester United in all competitions: W-D-L-W-D

Team News:

• Leeds United will be without Joe Rodon and Daniel James due to injury. Sean Longstaff is a big doubt, while Ethan Ampadu is suspended.
• For Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, and Matthijs de Ligt are all injured, while Bryan Mbeumo is still away at AFCON 2025. Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount are doubts.

Player(s) to watch:

• Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the focal point for Leeds. His strength makes life difficult for defenders. He wins almost everything in the air, which opens up gaps for players like Brenden Aaronson. Farke counts on the striker to finish moves and keep the ball when the team is under pressure. The striker has done exactly that this season, scoring eight goals in 15 games. That form is the main reason Leeds are still above the bottom three.
• Ruben Amorim is looking to Matheus Cunha to make things happen with Bruno Fernandes out and Mbeumo in AFCON 2025. The Brazilian likes to find pockets of space between the midfield and defence. He uses his skill on the ball to open up tight defences and find the wingers. He gives United’s attack a different feel. Cunha has registered three goals in 14 games this season and has become a key creative player for the team.