Sports
Premier League: Leeds v Manchester United
Manchester United travel to Elland Road on Sunday looking to respond to a damaging midweek result, as they face Leeds in a renewed Premier League rivalry.
The Red Devils were held to a disappointing draw by Wolves at Old Trafford, while Leeds arrive in buoyant mood after extending their unbeaten run with a point at Anfield.
Manchester United’s recent inconsistency resurfaced on December 30, when they failed to capitalise on a favourable home fixture against a Wolves side struggling near the bottom of the table.
Despite that setback, the Red Devils remain sixth in the table and sit only three points outside the Champions League places.
United do travel to Yorkshire with some encouraging underlying trends. They are unbeaten in 25 Premier League matches against newly-promoted sides and have scored in seven consecutive away league games.
Leeds, by contrast, continue to build momentum. Their goalless draw at Liverpool was their sixth successive Premier League match without defeat and lifted them further clear of the relegation zone.
Elland Road has once again become a difficult venue, with Leeds scoring 10 goals across their last three home league matches.
The hosts have not beaten Manchester United in the Premier League since 2002, but recent home performances suggest they are well placed to challenge that record.
Team news for Leeds v Manchester United
Manchester United are not expecting any returning players for Sunday’s fixture. Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo remain sidelined, while Matthijs de Ligt, Mason Mount and Harry Maguire are also unavailable through injury. Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are away on international duty.
Amorim may consider reverting to a back four once again, potentially allowing Patrick Dorgu greater freedom on the right flank.
Leeds will be without Ethan Ampadu, who is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season at Anfield.
Sean Longstaff, Joe Rodon and Daniel James are all injured, while Sebastiaan Bornauw is a doubt after sustaining a knock against Liverpool.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested midweek.
Expected line-ups for Leeds v Manchester United
Leeds: Perri; Bogle, Bijol, Struijk; Justin, Stach, Aaronson, Tanaka, Gudmundsson; Calvert-Lewin, Okafor
Manchester United: Lammens; Dalot, Heaven, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Ugarte; Dorgu, Zirkzee, Cunha; Sesko
How to watch Leeds v Manchester United: TV channel, online stream
Kick-off on Sunday is at 12:30 GMT (08:30 ET / 05:30 PT), with live coverage in the UK on TNT Sports 1. Fans can also catch the match on the discovery+ app.
The stats for Leeds v Manchester United
• Leeds are unbeaten in their last six Premier League matches
• Leeds have scored 10 goals in their last three home league games
• Leeds have not kept a home clean sheet in the Premier League since August
• Manchester United have conceded in 14 consecutive Premier League away matches
• United are unbeaten in 25 league games against newly-promoted teams
• United have scored in seven straight away league fixtures
• Leeds have not beaten Manchester United in the Premier League since 2002
Prediction
Leeds
2
–
1
Manchester United
Both sides arrive with clear strengths and vulnerabilities, and goals at both ends appear likely at Elland Road.
Leeds’ recent home form, combined with Manchester United’s defensive issues on the road, gives the hosts a realistic chance of edging a competitive contest.
