Leeds United v Manchester United Match Thread
Leeds United v Manchester United
Sunday 4th January 12:30 | Elland Road
The bitter rivalry between Leeds United and Manchester United will be on full display this Sunday as the Red Devils travel to Elland Road for what promises to be an intense "War of the Roses" clash. The historical animosity between the two sides stems from a complex mix of cultural, industrial, and on-pitch factors that have fuelled the fire of this long-standing feud. The Reds may have enjoyed recent success in West Yorkshire, winning their last two away league games at Elland Road, but no Manchester United side has ever managed three consecutive victories at LS11.
For Ruben Amorim’s men, confidence might be buoyed by those recent results, but form and fitness are painting a less rosy picture. They have conceded in each of their last 14 Premier League away outings, a run of defensive vulnerability not seen since the mid-80s, when they went 15 games without a clean sheet on the road between September 1985 and April 1986. With Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire still nursing injuries and Noussair Mazraoui away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Amorim’s backline options are paper-thin.
The injury list doesn’t stop in defence. Captain Bruno Fernandes remains side-lined, along with midfielders Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo, three creative engines gone in one swoop. On the wings, Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo’s unavailability narrows attacking choices, opening the door for Joshua Zirkzee to start up front despite being subbed off at halftime in the Wolves match. The Dutchman has only netted twice this season, including the opener against Wolves, but has only managed 440 minutes of Premier League game time.
Leeds, meanwhile, aren’t exactly at full strength either. Skipper Ethan Ampadu serves a one-match suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season, losing not just a leader but a tenacious presence in midfield. Fellow Welshmen Joe Rodon (ankle ligament) and Dan James (thigh) are also absent, leaving gaps that need filling. There’s a glimmer of hope, though: Sean Longstaff has returned to light training after a calf issue, though he’s still at-least a fortnight from first-team action.
AO Tanaka likely slots in for Ampadu, with Ilia Gruev expected to drop to the bench, unless Farke opts for a five man midfield like he did at Anfield. In defence, Sebastiaan Bornauw and James Justin battle for the central spot left by Rodon, with Jayden Bogle poised for a recall at right-back after rotation. Upfront, the big news is the return of leading scorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Whether he leads the line alone or partners Lucas Nmecha in a two-man attack remains to be seen, but his physical presence and aerial threat could be pivotal against a shaky Manchester Utd backline.
Sunday 4th January 12:30 | Elland Road
The bitter rivalry between Leeds United and Manchester United will be on full display this Sunday as the Red Devils travel to Elland Road for what promises to be an intense "War of the Roses" clash. The historical animosity between the two sides stems from a complex mix of cultural, industrial, and on-pitch factors that have fuelled the fire of this long-standing feud. The Reds may have enjoyed recent success in West Yorkshire, winning their last two away league games at Elland Road, but no Manchester United side has ever managed three consecutive victories at LS11.
For Ruben Amorim’s men, confidence might be buoyed by those recent results, but form and fitness are painting a less rosy picture. They have conceded in each of their last 14 Premier League away outings, a run of defensive vulnerability not seen since the mid-80s, when they went 15 games without a clean sheet on the road between September 1985 and April 1986. With Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire still nursing injuries and Noussair Mazraoui away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Amorim’s backline options are paper-thin.
The injury list doesn’t stop in defence. Captain Bruno Fernandes remains side-lined, along with midfielders Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo, three creative engines gone in one swoop. On the wings, Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo’s unavailability narrows attacking choices, opening the door for Joshua Zirkzee to start up front despite being subbed off at halftime in the Wolves match. The Dutchman has only netted twice this season, including the opener against Wolves, but has only managed 440 minutes of Premier League game time.
Leeds, meanwhile, aren’t exactly at full strength either. Skipper Ethan Ampadu serves a one-match suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season, losing not just a leader but a tenacious presence in midfield. Fellow Welshmen Joe Rodon (ankle ligament) and Dan James (thigh) are also absent, leaving gaps that need filling. There’s a glimmer of hope, though: Sean Longstaff has returned to light training after a calf issue, though he’s still at-least a fortnight from first-team action.
AO Tanaka likely slots in for Ampadu, with Ilia Gruev expected to drop to the bench, unless Farke opts for a five man midfield like he did at Anfield. In defence, Sebastiaan Bornauw and James Justin battle for the central spot left by Rodon, with Jayden Bogle poised for a recall at right-back after rotation. Upfront, the big news is the return of leading scorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Whether he leads the line alone or partners Lucas Nmecha in a two-man attack remains to be seen, but his physical presence and aerial threat could be pivotal against a shaky Manchester Utd backline.