Preview: Manchester United cross the Pennines to face Leeds UnitedShareElland Road has become one of the toughest venues for away teams to visit in the Premier League over the last month.By Graham RuthvenRivalry reignitedNot so long ago, Leeds United appeared destined for an immediate return to the Championship. The Elland Road side were struggling for consistent form and Daniel Farke was fighting for his job.Now, though, Leeds are on a six-game unbeaten run, sitting seven points clear of the bottom three following Thursday’s credible 0-0 draw away to Liverpool.Sunday’s match is a big opportunity for Leeds to get the better of their fiercest rivals, particularly with the game taking place at Elland Road where Farke’s side have lost just twice this season.Manchester United must bounce back from a disappointing home draw against Wolves which raised fresh questions over Ruben Amorim’s suitability as the club’s manager. After success with a back four in games against Bournemouth and Newcastle, Amorim reverted to his favoured 3-4-3 shape to face the worst team in the Premier League and United subsequently struggled for attacking threat.While Amorim’s immediate job security might not be at risk, another disappointing result against Leeds would seriously set back the notion that Manchester United are making progress under his stewardship.Key playersDominic Calvert-Lewin’s incredible scoring run came to an end against Liverpool, marking the first time in six games that the centre forward had failed to find the back of the net.Brenden Aaronson has thrived after Farke’s change to a new 3-5-2 shape with the American’s dribbling ability giving Leeds a different dimension in the attacking third. Aaronson’s possession numbers in the Premier League this seasonAnton Stach will be a big presence in the centre of the pitch for the home side. The German has created more chances than any other Leeds player this season and could be key on Sunday.For Manchester United, it will largely fall on Matheus Cunha to provide a spark in the attacking third with Bruno Fernandes still injured and Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo at the Africa Cup of Nations.Benjamin Šeško registered more shots than any other player on the pitch in United’s 1-1 draw with Wolves. However, the Slovenian striker hasn’t found the back of the net since October.Ayden Heaven has stepped up as an important defensive figure for Manchester United in recent weeks while Patrick Dorgu has offered a funnel into the final third on the right wing.Team newsDaniel James and Sean Longstaff are both sidelined through injury for Leeds while Joe Rodon could return to action after missing the goalless draw against Liverpool on New Year’s Day. Ethan Ampadu will miss Sunday’s match after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season at Anfield. The Welsh international will leave a big hole in the defensive line.Fernandes is out of action for a number of weeks while Matthijs De Ligt, Harry Maguire, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo all struggling with knocks right now. Amad and Mbeumo are on international duty with their respective national teams at AFCON with Moroccan right back Noussair Mazraoui also at the tournament. This leaves Manchester United depleted for the visit to Elland Road.PredictionThe Yorkshire side are hard to beat at the moment, with Daniel Farke’s squad looking rejuvenated in the latter end of 2025. A win over their Lancashire rivals would be quite the statement of intent to start 2026: Leeds 2-1 Manchester United.(Cover image from IMAGO)You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.Preview: Manchester United cross the Pennines to face Leeds UnitedElland Road has become one of the toughest venues for away teams to visit in the Premier League over the last month.By Graham RuthvenRivalry reignitedNot so long ago, Leeds United appeared destined for an immediate return to the Championship. The Elland Road side were struggling for consistent form and Daniel Farke was fighting for his job.Now, though, Leeds are on a six-game unbeaten run, sitting seven points clear of the bottom three following Thursday’s credible 0-0 draw away to Liverpool.Sunday’s match is a big opportunity for Leeds to get the better of their fiercest rivals, particularly with the game taking place at Elland Road where Farke’s side have lost just twice this season.Manchester United must bounce back from a disappointing home draw against Wolves which raised fresh questions over Ruben Amorim’s suitability as the club’s manager. After success with a back four in games against Bournemouth and Newcastle, Amorim reverted to his favoured 3-4-3 shape to face the worst team in the Premier League and United subsequently struggled for attacking threat.While Amorim’s immediate job security might not be at risk, another disappointing result against Leeds would seriously set back the notion that Manchester United are making progress under his stewardship.Key playersDominic Calvert-Lewin’s incredible scoring run came to an end against Liverpool, marking the first time in six games that the centre forward had failed to find the back of the net.Brenden Aaronson has thrived after Farke’s change to a new 3-5-2 shape with the American’s dribbling ability giving Leeds a different dimension in the attacking third. Aaronson’s possession numbers in the Premier League this seasonAnton Stach will be a big presence in the centre of the pitch for the home side. The German has created more chances than any other Leeds player this season and could be key on Sunday.For Manchester United, it will largely fall on Matheus Cunha to provide a spark in the attacking third with Bruno Fernandes still injured and Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo at the Africa Cup of Nations.Benjamin Šeško registered more shots than any other player on the pitch in United’s 1-1 draw with Wolves. However, the Slovenian striker hasn’t found the back of the net since October.Ayden Heaven has stepped up as an important defensive figure for Manchester United in recent weeks while Patrick Dorgu has offered a funnel into the final third on the right wing.Team newsDaniel James and Sean Longstaff are both sidelined through injury for Leeds while Joe Rodon could return to action after missing the goalless draw against Liverpool on New Year’s Day. Ethan Ampadu will miss Sunday’s match after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season at Anfield. The Welsh international will leave a big hole in the defensive line.Fernandes is out of action for a number of weeks while Matthijs De Ligt, Harry Maguire, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo all struggling with knocks right now. Amad and Mbeumo are on international duty with their respective national teams at AFCON with Moroccan right back Noussair Mazraoui also at the tournament. This leaves Manchester United depleted for the visit to Elland Road.PredictionThe Yorkshire side are hard to beat at the moment, with Daniel Farke’s squad looking rejuvenated in the latter end of 2025. A win over their Lancashire rivals would be quite the statement of intent to start 2026: Leeds 2-1 Manchester United.(Cover image from IMAGO)You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.