Leeds United host Manchester United at Elland Road in Leeds on Sunday, October 18, with the Premier League fixture kicking off at 2pm local time (13:00 GMT). The rivalry between the two clubs has long been one of the fiercest in English football.
Manchester United go into the match under Michael Carrick, who has been appointed permanent manager. Their only league win this season came in a 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town at Old Trafford, while Leeds have lost just one of their six league games so far.
A long rivalry shaped by Ferguson, Cantona and decline
United came closest to ending their wait for an English top-flight title, which dates back to 1967, in 1993. On that occasion Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were pipped to the title by Leeds.
The following year United’s long wait ended as they won the inaugural Premier League title. Their success was helped by the arrival of Eric Cantona from Leeds.
Since Ferguson, the most successful manager in English football, retired, the Old Trafford club have declined. Leeds, who have won three league titles, also saw their fortunes fall sharply after their last major domestic trophy. A decade later they were relegated, and they then spent three years in League One, the third tier of English football.
Leeds’ strong start and United’s slow recovery
Leeds’ only league defeat this season was a 2-1 loss at Arsenal in their most recent match. They were second best for much of that game and had to come from behind. Before that, two wins and two draws in their first five league matches kept them in touch with Arsenal and Manchester City at the top.
That run ended with a stunning 4-1 home win against Newcastle United. A disappointing home draw with Crystal Palace came between their defeat at Arsenal and that victory. A 6-3 defeat at Chelsea ended their League Cup hopes, although the hosts needed two goals in the last ten minutes to pull clear in a thrilling match.
United’s season got off to a poor start with a 2-0 defeat at newly promoted Hull City. When they fell behind to another promoted side, Ipswich Town, at Old Trafford in their next match, the warning signs were already there. They came back to win 5-2, but that remains their only league win of the season.
A 1-0 home defeat by Manchester City followed, with a controversial VAR decision separating the sides. Draws against Everton, Fulham and Tottenham surrounded the derby defeat. United were also knocked out of the League Cup by Brighton, who came back from a 2-0 first-half deficit to the disbelief of Old Trafford.
Martinez apology and injury news ahead of kick-off
Defender Lisandro Martinez will be available for Sunday’s game after United accepted his apology for criticising the club’s transfer policy, Carrick told reporters on Friday. Martinez met Carrick and senior club officials on Thursday, two days after suggesting United needed greater investment to compete at the highest level following their 2-0 Champions League defeat by Atletico Madrid.
The centre back later apologised for his remarks, and Carrick sought to downplay the episode when he spoke to reporters. “We’ve moved on from that. It was one of those things. It’s really not a drama for the group,” Carrick said.
Carrick added that the squad had trained well and were in good spirits. “He’s part of the squad [for Sunday],” he said.
Joe Rodon and Mateo Joseph will both miss the match through injury. Former United winger Daniel James is a doubt with a back problem. Patrick Dorgu, Manuel Ugarte and Benjamin Sesko remain sidelined, while Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo face late fitness tests. Matthijs de Ligt is nearing a return from his long-term back injury.
Head-to-head record, Opta forecast and lineups
Leeds beat United 2-1 at Old Trafford in April, with Noah Okafor scoring both goals. That defeat was the only one of Carrick’s interim spell, which followed Ruben Amorim’s departure as manager. Martinez was sent off early in the second half of that match, but Casemiro gave United some hope just after the hour mark.
The teams drew 1-1 at Elland Road in the Premier League last season. Brenden Aaronson opened the scoring for Leeds in the 62nd minute, and Matheus Cunha levelled three minutes later. United won 2-0 at Elland Road in Leeds’ relegation season of 2022-23, with goals from Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.
Leeds have not beaten United at home since Harry Kewell scored the only goal of a Premier League match in 2002. Seven matches have been played between the sides at Leeds since then, and United have won five of them. The Opta supercomputer gives Leeds a 42 percent chance of victory and United a 32 percent chance.
In the overall head-to-head record, United have won 50 matches, Leeds have won 27 and 38 have been drawn. The lineups for the match are as follows:
- Leeds United: Trafford, Justin, Elvedi, Muharemovic; Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson; Stach, Okafor, Calvert-Lewin
- Manchester United: Lammens; Dalot, Martinez, Maguire, Shaw; Baleba, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Diallo; Cunha
