Manchester United welcome Leeds United to Old Trafford on Monday 13 April 2026 (8:00pm UK time / 5:00am AEST Tuesday) in a Premier League clash that pits top-four ambitions against survival scrap.
The Red Devils sit third with 55 points from 31 games (15 wins, 10 draws, 6 losses; GF 56, GA 43), just one point ahead of fourth-placed Aston Villa.
Under interim manager Michael Carrick, United have shown solid home form and attacking flair, though recent results have included a few draws.
Leeds, promoted this season, sit 15th with 33 points (7 wins, 12 draws, 12 losses; GF 37, GA 48). They are just three points above the relegation zone and desperate for points to secure their top-flight status.
The reverse fixture earlier this season ended in a 1-1 draw.
Team News and Injuries
Manchester United will be without:
Harry Maguire (suspended after a red card)
Matthijs de Ligt (back injury)
Patrick Dorgu (hamstring)
Lisandro Martínez has returned from a calf injury and is expected to bolster the defence, potentially starting.
Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko face late fitness tests but are likely available. The squad has had nearly three weeks since their last league game (a 2-2 draw at Bournemouth), giving time for recovery.
Leeds United have been hit hard by injuries:
Anton Stach and Joe Rodon (both ankle injuries from the FA Cup win over West Ham – likely out until May)
Daniel James (adductor/muscle issue)
Doubts remain over Jaka Bijol, Noah Okafor, and Gabriel Gudmundsson. Manager Daniel Farke faces a real selection headache in midfield and defence.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United (4-2-3-1):
Lammens (GK); Dalot, Yoro, Martínez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo/Amad, Bruno Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko.
Leeds United (3-4-1-2 or 3-5-2):
Darlow (GK); Bogle/Bornauw, Struijk, Bijol; Justin, Ampadu, Tanaka, Aaronson; Nmecha/Calvert-Lewin (or similar attacking setup).
Lineups are subject to final fitness checks.
Key Stats and Head-to-Head
Manchester United lead the all-time head-to-head with 50 wins to Leeds’ 26 (38 draws) in 114 meetings.
At Old Trafford, United are dominant: unbeaten in their last 18 home league games against Leeds (11 wins, 7 draws), with Leeds not winning there since 1981.
Recent encounters often produce goals — the reverse fixture was 1-1, but many others have seen over 2.5 goals.
Bruno Fernandes has been particularly effective against Leeds, with strong goal involvement records.
United average strong home attacking output, while Leeds have been leaky away but can be resilient on the counter.
Prediction
Most experts favour a home win for Manchester United, with common scorelines like 3-1, 2-1, or 2-0. Leeds are capable of nicking a goal, especially given their counter-attacking threat and United’s occasional defensive vulnerabilities, but the quality gap, home advantage, and Leeds’ injury woes make a routine United success likely.
Betting trends lean towards United to win and over 2.5 goals, though “both teams to score” remains a popular option in this fiery rivalry.
The match kicks off a crucial week for both sides. For United, three points would strengthen their grip on a Champions League spot.
For Leeds, even a point at the Theatre of Dreams would be a huge boost in their fight to stay up.
Expect passion, intensity, and plenty of attacking football when these historic rivals meet under the Old Trafford lights.
How do you see it going? Will United cruise to victory, or can Leeds pull off a shock? Drop your predictions below! ⚽