Leeds United host Manchester United at Elland Road on Sunday 18 October (kick-off 2pm BST) for the first Roses derby of the Premier League season, with the home side on nine points and, for the first time in the fixture’s history, one preview describing them as favourites. United have six points from six games, haven’t won in the league in four, and arrive after a 2-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid on Tuesday.
Leeds vs Manchester United Forms
Leeds started the season unbeaten and sit seventh, although Daniel Farke’s side lost 2-1 at Arsenal last time out, with James Justin equalising before Arsenal took the lead again. They won the last meeting with United 2-1 at Old Trafford in April 2026.
United drew 1-1 with Tottenham after Bryan Mbeumo scored and Dominic Solanke equalised in stoppage time, then lost at Atlético, where Leny Yoro was sent off late on. Not good. A 13th-place Premier League finish isn’t what anyone at the club planned, and Michael Carrick only took the permanent job in the summer.
The derby is also a warm-up. United travel to Como in the Champions League on Wednesday, so Carrick must balance a game he needs to win against a squad with no defensive depth.
Team news & injuries
Leeds are without Joe Rodon (hamstring) and Mateo Joseph (cruciate ligament). Daniel James is being assessed after returning from Wales duty with a back problem, and Harry Wilson is back in contention after a quad problem.
United are missing Benjamin Sesko (shin), Patrick Dorgu (hamstring), Tom Heaton (abdominal) and Manuel Ugarte (cruciate ligament). Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo face late fitness tests after not travelling to Madrid, and Yoro’s availability needs confirming after his red card. Lisandro Martínez is reportedly in the squad.
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Leeds vs Manchester United Predicted line-ups
Leeds (3-4-2-1): Trafford – Muharemovic, Elvedi, Justin – Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson – Stach, Okafor – Calvert-Lewin.
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Lammens – Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Martínez – Tielemans, Baleba – Diallo, Fernandes, Cunha – Mbeumo.
Both are speculative projections from Yahoo Sports and Goal. Baleba, Mainoo and Yoro all depend on fitness.
The key battle
Midfield, and in particular who wins the second balls. Leeds will press hard and play through Calvert-Lewin, who can hold up the ball and win aerial duels, so United’s midfield pair will be asked to cover a lot of ground without Mainoo.
United’s threat will come from the counter, with Fernandes and Mbeumo running into space behind Leeds’ wing-backs. Leeds cannot afford to lose it cheaply. We expect Man United to push hard.
Leeds vs Manchester United Predictions & tips
Leeds have the form, the crowd and a squad in better health than United’s. United have better individual quality and a manager who needs a result, but they haven’t shown it in a month. We expect Leeds to win narrowly, with United scoring.
Tip: Both teams to score. Predicted score: Leeds 2-1 Manchester United.
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