Premier League: Uniteds Prepare for Battle in War of the Roses

Manchester United vs Leeds United

After the Uniteds of Leeds and Manchester battled to a 1-1 Premier League draw on January 4, it appeared that both clubs were content, though not exactly happy, with the outcome.

The result meant the Yorkshire club extended their unbeaten run to seven games, completing a month of encouraging displays to give themselves a bit of wriggle room in their bid to pull away from the bottom three.

Meanwhile, United had stretched their record to just one defeat in eight matches.

The reality, though, was a very different one.

Yes, Leeds were quietly satisfied with their progress as they bounced back from a run of just one win in seven games to embark on a period in which they also stunned Chelsea, beat Crystal Palace and claimed two fine draws against Liverpool.

But, by contrast, the Red Devils were continually underwhelming and had failed to beat opponents in the bottom half of the table for the umpteenth time.

Then came the outburst which led to the club finally doing the right thing – sacking Ruben Amorim.

It was very clear to me early on in the Portuguese boss’ reign that he was not ready for a club of this stature.

The decision makers who appointed him were even more culpable and probably realised their error some time before the die was cast.

Yet once Amorim, in his post-match press conference, had his say, they were left with little choice but to bid farewell.

The turnaround since has been one of the stories of the season.

Now, as Leeds come to town for the return fixture, can they move closer to completing the job that began following his departure?

Talking Points

While United have not been in action for three weeks – a combination of the international break and FA Cup quarter-final weekend – Leeds were involved in a see-saw contest last weekend and are now in the semi-finals.

Daniel Farke is a fine manager and, regardless of the result on Monday night, he should have enough to ensure last season’s Championship winners stay afloat.

They are currently in 15th position, three points clear of Spurs who occupy 18th (the bottom two, Wolves and Burnley, are all but down).

With West Ham winning on Friday night, and both Forest and Spurs in action on Sunday, it’s not inconceivable that Leeds could be just one point clear of the drop zone by the time this contest kicks off.

Anton Stach (ankle), Joe Rodon (ankle) and one-time United winger Daniel James (groin) will definitely miss out for the visitors. They will also hand fitness tests to Noah Okafor (back), Jaka Bijol (groin) and Gabriel Gudmundsson.

Manchester United have a huge boost with Lisandro Martinez' comeback in their Premier League game vs Leeds United — Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez in action during their Premier League clash against Fulham

Harry Maguire is suspended for the hosts, joining Matthijs de Ligt and Patrick Dorgu on the sidelines. On the upside, it’s hoped fans’ favourite Lisandro Martinez will return to the backline.

With United chasing third place and Leeds bidding for survival, this has all the hallmarks of a clash which could deliver Premier League 2026 highlights.

After all, it is a War of the Roses clash.

History

The meeting in January saw Brenden Aaronson and Matheus Cunha trade goals in four second half minutes.

When these sides first met in January 1923 in the then Division Two, they produced a goalless draw and probably no-one could imagine the rivalry which would develop half a century or so later.

That rivalry has seen 26 Leeds victories, 38 draws and 50 United triumphs, including a 5-1 opening weekend romp when Bruno Fernandes netted a hat-trick in 2021.

Leeds have only won two of their last 23 meetings in all competitions but they did secure a 2-2 draw on their last visit to Old Trafford.

On that occasion, Wilfried Gnonto (within a minute) and an own goal put Leeds in the ascendancy but Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho netted twice inside eight minutes to draw the hosts level.