Leeds manager Daniel Farke wasn’t happy with Premier League officials after referee Chris Kavanagh made a decision on Thursday night that could prove costly for his side against Manchester United.
Manchester United will travel to Elland Road trying to get back to winning ways in the Premier League.
There was disappointment at Old Trafford when United drew 1-1 with Wolves in a game that gave Ruben Amorim a chance to edge his side closer to the Premier League top four, especially as results elsewhere went his way.
The best way to start 2026 for United would be with a win over Leeds. It has felt like an easy three points in recent years, but inconsistent performances and results give fans plenty of reasons to be wary of the threat Leeds could pose on Sunday evening.
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Leeds may be sitting in the bottom half of the table, but this is a United side that failed to collect six points from one of the worst teams in Premier League history earlier this week.
Leeds manager Daniel Farke got a positive result against Liverpool midweek, but he shared frustrations in his post-match interview when reacting to the news that one of his key players will be suspended for the upcoming league meeting between United and Leeds.
Ethan Ampadu ruled out for Leeds vs Man Utd clash
Arne Slot’s Premier League title defence got even worse when Liverpool were held to a goalless draw against Leeds at Anfield.
Leeds warned upcoming opponents United that if they’re not at the races on Sunday, Farke’s side are more than capable of securing a point at the very least.
It was an eye-opener in the sense of knowing that United are to play Leeds this weekend, but Farke’s team were well worth the point that extended their unbeaten run to six matches.
While it was a positive night for Farke and his Leeds team, there was one sour note for the visitors as midfielder Ethan Ampadu picked up a yellow card for handball.
This means Leeds will be without their club captain for the next Premier League game against United due to suspension. That is the consequence Ampadu pays for picking up four yellow cards in the league before Leeds’ trip to Liverpool.
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Farke was quick to criticise referee Chris Kavanagh for his performance in the game, especially after booking Ampadu in the 61st minute.
“Six minutes of added time, I didn’t see where that was coming from,” Farke told Sky Sports after the match.
“Then the game was over, and not many free kicks were given to us. Some yellow cards, I am asking why I am missing key player Ethan Ampadu in the next game.”
This will come as a boost for United because Ampadu has started 17 games for Leeds in the Premier League this season.
Ruben Amorim has midfield worries of his own
Meanwhile, at United, Ruben Amorim will be trying to name the team that gives him the best chance of three points at Elland Road.
The draw against Wolves puts further pressure on United because they need to get back to winning ways rather than slipping down the table.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  ArsenalArsenal | 19 | 14 | 3 | 2 | 37 | 12 | 25 | 45 |
| 2 |  Manchester CityManchester City | 19 | 13 | 2 | 4 | 43 | 17 | 26 | 41 |
| 3 |  Aston VillaAston Villa | 19 | 12 | 3 | 4 | 30 | 23 | 7 | 39 |
| 4 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 19 | 10 | 3 | 6 | 30 | 26 | 4 | 33 |
| 5 |  ChelseaChelsea | 19 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 32 | 21 | 11 | 30 |
| 6 |  Manchester UnitedManchester United | 19 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 33 | 29 | 4 | 30 |
| 7 |  SunderlandSunderland | 19 | 7 | 8 | 4 | 20 | 18 | 2 | 29 |
| 8 |  EvertonEverton | 19 | 8 | 4 | 7 | 20 | 20 | 0 | 28 |
| 9 |  BrentfordBrentford | 19 | 8 | 3 | 8 | 28 | 26 | 2 | 27 |
| 10 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 19 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 22 | 21 | 1 | 27 |
Amorim hopes to see Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo return to the team when United face Leeds. They have both been absent at a time when the United head coach has been limited for options in midfield.
Casemiro started alongside Manuel Ugarte in the games against Newcastle and Wolves.
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