Get ready for a clash that promises sparks! Manchester United kicks off 2026 with a trip to Elland Road to face Leeds United, a fixture that always brings intensity and drama. But here's where it gets controversial: despite a dominant record against newly promoted sides, the Reds have never beaten Leeds in their first league game of a calendar year. Will history repeat itself, or can United break the curse? And this is the part most people miss: the last time these two met, in February 2023, United secured a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho. Fast forward to now, and Ruben Amorim’s side is eager to bounce back from a disappointing draw against Wolves, aiming to set the tone for the year ahead.
How to Watch and Follow the Action
The match kicks off at 12:30 GMT on Sunday, January 4, and will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK. For those who can’t tune in live, highlights will be available from midnight, with the full match replay accessible to MUTV subscribers. As always, you can stay updated through MUTV, the United app, and ManUtd.com, where you’ll find everything from team arrivals and line-ups to in-game stats and post-match reactions. Commentary will be provided by Liam Bradford and Danny Webber, with Ben Thornley joining as a guest at Elland Road, and Phil Bardsley and Quinton Fortune offering insights from the Old Trafford studio.
Team News: Injuries and Suspensions
United will be without several key players, including captain Bruno Fernandes, who’s still nursing a hamstring injury from the Aston Villa game. Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo, and Mason Mount are also sidelined, with Amorim ruling out their return for this fixture. Adding to the challenges, Amad, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui are away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. Leeds, meanwhile, will miss captain Ethan Ampadu due to suspension and Joe Rodon with an ankle injury. Daniel James, a former United player, is unlikely to feature as he continues his recovery. However, Leeds manager Daniel Farke is hopeful that Sebastiaan Bornauw and Ilia Gruev will be fit to start after being withdrawn from their last game due to cramps.
Form Guide: United’s January Challenge
This match marks the first of five fixtures in January, including an FA Cup third-round clash against Brighton & Hove Albion. United’s recent form has been mixed, with a 1-0 win over Newcastle United at Old Trafford followed by a 1-1 draw against Wolves, where Joshua Zirkzee’s goal was canceled out by Ladislav Krejci. Leeds, on the other hand, are unbeaten in six matches, with notable performances including a 3-1 win over Chelsea and draws against Liverpool and Brentford. Their last visit to Old Trafford in 2023 ended in a 2-2 draw, despite United’s late comeback.
Did You Know?
United are unbeaten in their last 25 Premier League games against newly promoted sides, a streak dating back to a 4-1 loss at Watford in November 2021. However, their record against Leeds in the first league game of the year is less impressive, with draws in 1931, 1958, and 1994, and a loss in 1969. Adding to the intrigue, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored in his last three Premier League home games and will be looking to make it four in a row—a feat last achieved by Mark Viduka in 2004.
Rivals Watch: Weekend Fixtures
Here’s a quick look at the other Premier League matches this weekend:
- Saturday, January 3: Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest, Brighton v Burnley, Wolves v West Ham, Bournemouth v Arsenal (17:30 GMT).
- Sunday, January 4: Leeds v UNITED (12:30 GMT), Everton v Brentford, Fulham v Liverpool, Newcastle v Crystal Palace, Tottenham v Sunderland, Manchester City v Chelsea (17:30 GMT).
Controversial Question for You
Given United’s historical struggles against Leeds in the first game of the year, do you think Amorim’s side can finally break the pattern? Or will Leeds continue to be their January bogey team? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear your take!
