Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Sun 12 April 2026 8:10, UK

Manchester United welcome Leeds United to Old Trafford, with Daniel Farke’s side looking to take a big step towards safety.

Leeds are back involved in Premier League action for the first time in three weeks, after beating West Ham in a huge FA Cup quarter-final over Easter weekend.

Ao Tanaka and Dominic Calvert-Lewin would get on the scoresheet at the London Stadium, before Pascal Struijk sent the travelling contingent into raptures, converting the winning penalty in the shootout following a late Hammers comeback.

Results elsewhere have dragged the Whites closer to the bottom three, with an underwhelming run of form before the international break somewhat undoing the positive steps made at the turn of the year.

Though starting with a trip to rivals Manchester United, Farke’s side are looking to kickstart some form once again as they strive for survival.

Form guide

Manchester United (last six games all competitions): DWLWWD

Leeds United (last six games all competitions): WDDWLL

Head-to-head

Leeds go into Sunday’s clash looking to pick up another result against one of their great rivals, having played out a 1-1 draw at Elland Road earlier this season.

Across different spells in the Premier League, Monday’s hosts carry the better record of the two sides, with the Whites winning just four clashes against their rivals.

With this in mind too, Leeds are winless in the league against the Red Devils since 2002, while they are yet to win at Old Trafford since the competition’s inception – a record that Farke’s side will look to bring to an end on Monday.

Team news and predicted lineups

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 Leeds 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.

For Manchester United, they are boosted by the return of Lisando Martinez, who should step in for the suspended Harry Maguire.

Matthijs De Ligt’s fitness remains unclear, with the defender sidelined since November, while Patrick Dorgu continues his rehabilitation.

Manchester United predicted XI: Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo

Leeds United predicted XI: Darlow; Justin, Bijol, Struijk; Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson; Aaronson; Calvert-Lewin, Nmecha

We say: Manchester United 1-1 Leeds

Matching the scoreline of the reverse fixture, a point at Old Trafford would be a big plus for Leeds, who are looking to kickstart a run heading into the season’s crunch point.

With the visit of Wolves coming up the following week, the chance is there for the Whites to begin forging a gap to the drop zone again – a result away at their rivals would be a huge step in the right direction.