United must show up at Elland Road
Manchester United’s trip to Elland Road to face Leeds United on Sunday carries more significance than just three points as both teams want to start 2026 on a high. United arrive in mixed form after finishing 2025 with a 1-1 draw at home to Wolves, a result that frustrated fans and exposed lingering defensive issues despite moments of attacking promise. With a total of three points against the 10 men of Everton, West Ham Bournemouth and Wolves is an atrocious return that has seen us stick in sixth place in the table, needing greater consistency if they are to challenge for a top-four spot.
Leeds, by contrast, have been enjoying a resurgence under manager Daniel Farke, going six league games unbeaten and showing more resilience than earlier in the season. Their recent form has taken them clear of immediate danger, and their home performances, with goals in seven straight matches at Elland Road, have given supporters renewed confidence.
The history between United and Leeds adds an extra edge to Sunday’s clash. Traditionally one of English football’s fiercest rivalries, recent decades have seen United dominate the head-to-head in the Premier League era, with far more wins than Leeds.
Leeds’ recent matchups against United aren’t fresh in the current season’s context, with our last Premier League meeting taking place the season before last, but the Yorkshire club have taken heart from how they have competed with top sides this term and will look to make it count in front of their own fans.
Injury and availability issues are a major talking point ahead of this fixture. For United, Ruben Amorim has a lengthy 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 away at the Africa Cup of Nations. Amorim confirmed during his pre-match press conference that he does not expect any of his injured stars to be fit for the Leeds game, saying “we are going to see tomorrow… I don’t think anybody is going to recover, but we’ll see.” He acknowledged the rivalry’s importance, noting the “big derby” atmosphere that awaits but insisted that every match in the Premier League is tough.
Leeds also have absences to contend with captain Ethan Ampadu suspended, while Daniel James, Sean Longstaff and Joe Rodon are sidelined. United fans can at least be relieved that their former player, James, won’t 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 XI.
Given United’s spate of injuries, formation plans will be influenced by availability, but the most likely structure for Amorim is a 4-2-3-1 setup that provides some balance defensively while still allowing counter-attacking threats. This will likely mean a repeat of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte in midfield, with the wide forward roles and number ten position offering the most attacking spark, and a lone striker supported by pace and direct transitions. Patrick Dorgu will be expected to start again, while youth players like Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey may be called upon at some point.
Leeds, under Farke, often set up in a 3-5-2 or 3-4-1-2, relying on wing-backs for width and two strikers to stretch defences. A revitalised Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has been in excellent form scoring consistently, will be a key threat for the hosts. The former Everton striker has seven goals in his last seven games against the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Sunderland.
This game promises intensity, local pride and tactical intrigue, with United aiming to climb the table and Leeds determined to continue their rejuvenation. United too often have failed to capitalise when teams around them drop points. Please let it be a different story this weekend.
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