(Credit: Imago)

Cameron Smith

Sat 11 April 2026 18:40, UK

Leeds United are back involved in Premier League action on Monday as they face rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford, where Ao Tanaka could be involved once again.

By the time the pair meet, it will have been over three weeks since they played a minute of Premier League football, with the international break followed up by the FA Cup quarter-finals over Easter Weekend.

The Whites were one of six top flight sides in action, as they secured a 4-2 penalty shootout win against West Ham to set up a semi-final clash against Chelsea.

With the weekend having a huge impact on the race for survival, Daniel Farke‘s side need to get back to winning ways sooner rather than later as they look to seal their future in the division.

Though they will have to secure a big result at Old Trafford to do that, a place that Leeds have been winless in the league since 1981.

Daniel Farke given selection headache ahead of Manchester United clash

Going into Monday’s encounter, Whites boss Farke has been handed a big selection headache.

News this week has revolved around the fitness of multiple key players, including star signing Anton Stach and defender Joe Rodon – both of whom have taken to Premier League life seamlessly with Leeds.

With Stach out, a place may open for midfielder Ao Tanaka, who could be in line to leave this summer.

Getting the nod last time out in against West Ham, the Japan international put in a stunning performance, scoring the opening goal as he danced through the Hammers backline.

Alongside those mentioned, Gabriel Gudmundsson and Noah Okafor are both suffering with knocks, but Farke confirmed that they could be ready for the clash, with the extra days of preparation ahead of Monday.

Alongside the three enforced changes, shotstopper Karl Darlow will likely be thrown back in, as has been the case pretty much throughout the league campaign for the Whites.

Leeds kickstart huge period with Manchester United clash

Starting with Manchester United away, Leeds are beginning a period that will define their season.

With two matches against the league’s bottom two sides coming soon, the Whites will sniff the chance to forge a larger gap to the drop zone after the recent run of poor form in the league.

Alongside this, they are going to have to keep up the momentum, with a monumental FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea also coming.

The size is there when it comes to any clash between Manchester United and Leeds, but Monday’s has become much bigger given the implications that it could have.

After an underwhelming run heading into the international break, now is the time for the Whites to begin building momentum again, with their top flight future on the line.