Newly promoted Leeds host Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday for the first time in two seasons, with Luke Shaw likely to be the only starter who played in the most recent competitive win over Leeds in 2023.
Leeds being back in the Premier League means there is another feisty fixture for Manchester United fans to look forward to.
Usually, whenever United take on Leeds, the Red Devils have plenty of reasons to be confident. A comfortable six-pointer each season.
Except that isn’t the case at the moment due to United being infuriatingly inconsistent, missing out on opportunities to climb up the Premier League table.
How confident are you Manchester United will beat Leeds in the first game of 2026?
Our recent record against Leeds is very impressive, they have not beaten us since 2010 👀
It was the case again when United drew 1-1 with Wolves earlier this week. Ruben Amorim hopes his team can bounce back by beating Leeds at Elland Road on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Leeds manager Daniel Farke is already getting his excuses in.
Many iconic transfers took place between the two rivals, including Eric Cantona, but the focus will be on three points this weekend.
Luke Shaw starred in a central pairing against Leeds
A lot has been written about Amorim’s defensive shape this season.
Luke Shaw is one player who has acclimatised to the back-three role, with Amorim not as eager to play the England international as a left wing-back.
The 30-year-old has been a key figure in United’s defence. Although much of his career has been ruined by injuries, Shaw has stayed fit for most of the season and continues to start most weeks.
However, looking back at United’s last Premier League win over Leeds on February 12, 2023.
It was a scrappy 2-0 win as Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho scored two goals in the final 10 minutes.
Leeds, managerless at the time, went toe-to-toe with Erik ten Hag’s side for the second time in five days after drawing 2-2 at Old Trafford.
Since signing for Manchester United in in 2014, Luke Shaw is unbeaten against Leeds
- Played: 6
- Won: 4
- Draw: 2
- Lost: 0
Ten Hag changed his defence for the trip to Leeds, bringing in Harry Maguire and Tyrell Malacia due to an injury sustained by Raphael Varane. He opted to move Shaw into a centre-back pairing rather than use less-favoured options in the heart of defence.
With Shaw likely to play at centre back against Leeds – in a back three or back four – it is interesting to find that he played an influential role in the 2-0 victory.
Not only did Shaw assist Rashford for the opening goal in the 80th minute, he also created the most chances (2) than any other player on the pitch. He was also the most fouled player (4).
Amorim will be demanding the same kind of performance from Shaw and his other defenders on Sunday.
Luke Shaw record against Leeds
As a United player, Shaw has faced Leeds six times.
All games have come in the Premier League, with Shaw winning four and drawing two.
That means Shaw has yet to lose a game against Leeds as a United player, although he did lose once at Southampton in the EFL Cup.
Shaw has registered two assists in his games against Leeds and will be looking to add to that at Elland Road.
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