Leeds United vs Manchester United is guaranteed to be a highly spirited derby between these two bitter rivals as they fight to get their first win of 2026 in Gameweek 20 of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign at Elland Road on Sunday, January 4.

The Leeds United vs Manchester United clash should be packed with a lot of action and drama because of the two sides’ disdain for each other and how proactive the fans are also going to be in terms of getting out the very best from the two sets of players. Leeds United are now undefeated in their last five games, winning two of their last three home games in style, while Manchester United have won two of their last three away games as well, which should make this upcoming derby a highly entertaining one.

Match Details

Elland Road
Leeds, England
Sunday, January 4
12:30 GMT

Confident Leeds United Look Reign Supreme in Intense Derby Against Manchester United

The Leeds United vs Manchester United clash has historically been a feisty one because of the kind of bitter rivalry shared between the two sides over the decades. Leeds United are coming into the game with much better form to back them up, as the Whites have now been unbeaten in their last five games, in which they’ve defeated Chelsea and Crystal Palace at their home stadium in compelling fashion as well.

Manchester United, meanwhile, ended 2025 with a bitter 1-1 draw against Wolves and failed to close in on the top 4. However, they have won two of their last three away matches in the Premier League and look to maintain that good form by getting a win that gets them closer to the top 4.

Manchester United have had a pretty good record against Leeds United in recent years, having won three of their last five matches against them, and the last time that the Whites defeated them at Elland Road was in 2002! The Red Devils hope to extend their good record against Leeds by ending their undefeated streak and starting off 2026 in compelling fashion, while Leeds will look to finally end their drought at their yard by defeating Man United in the upcoming clash.

Fiery Dominic Calvert-Lewin Determined To Regain Goalscoring Momentum Against Manchester United

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has proven to be a brilliant signing for Leeds United and seems to have regained his best form for the Whites in the 2025/26 campaign. The English forward has scored eight goals in 17 Premier League appearances this season, and he was actually on a six-match scoring spree before that was stalled in Leeds’ 0-0 draw against Liverpool at Anfield recently.

Calvert-Lewin is determined to regain his goal-scoring form and will look to torment Manchester United at Elland Road. He’ll look to confuse their defenders with his clever runs into the box, as well as his hold-up play, but the English forward has to be ruthless with his finishing to be able to help Leeds United finally get some joy against the Red Devils.

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Struggling Benjamin Sesko Desperate To End Goalless Run Against Leeds United

Benjamin Sesko has experienced major struggles in properly adapting himself to the intensity of the Premier League since joining Manchester United. He’s only scored two goals in 15 Premier League appearances in the 2025/26 season, and is now on a goalless run spanning nine games!

Sesko seems to be doing well in getting into the right positions and even came close to scoring against Wolves, but his final product hasn’t been ruthless enough in recent games. The Slovenian forward needs to work harder and be way more efficient with his finishing to ensure the Red Devils convert their chances against Leeds, as he’ll look to not only end his goalless drought but also inspire his side to an important away win.

Leeds United vs Manchester United Injuries

Leeds United Injuries: Dan James, Joe Rodon, Sean Longstaff

Manchester United Injuries: Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, Mason Mount (doubt)

Leeds United vs Manchester United Predicted Lineups

Knowing the importance of this derby, both Daniel Farke and Ruben Amorim will aim to field their strongest lineups for this clash. Here are our Leeds United vs Manchester United predicted lineups.

Leeds United predicted XI: Lucas Perri (GK), Jayden Bogle, Jaka Bijol, Pascal Struijk, James Justin, Ao Tanaka, Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Brendan Aaronsen, Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Manchester United predicted XI: Senne Lammens (GK), Diogo Dalot, Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Patrick Dorgu, Joshua Zirkzee, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko

Main Photo

Credit: IMAGO / Pro Sports Images

Recording Date: 30.12.2025