What United really needs is to see off tricky Leeds
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 13.04.26. | 13:28
A home triumph against the Whites would significantly increase the Red Devils' chances to qualify for the next edition of the Champions League
Manchester United have been playing pretty well lately, as Michael Carrick's arrival turned the tables for them and revived their Champions League dreams.
However, even more importantly, their rivals' results are working in their favour.
Namely, out of their direct UCL opponents, only Liverpool won, while Aston Villa drew and Chelsea lost. An eventual victory over Leeds United tonight (23.00) would increase United's advantage over the sixth-place Blues to 10 points. With six games to go, it could be a crucial and elusive edge.
Manchester United will face Leeds after a 24-day break since their last match 😮 pic.twitter.com/04JPKeHjRt
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) April 9, 2026
Nevertheless, the Red Devils' task won't be easy, as the Whites are still fighting for survival, sitting only three points above the relegation zone.
Ahead of tonight's game, Carrick has specific problems with his defensive line, as Matthijs De Ligt and Patrick Dorgu have been sidelined for some time, Lisandro Martinez is questionable, and Harry Maguire is suspended after being sent off in the last round against Bournemouth.
Consequently, United's centre-back pair will be as young as it gets: the 20-year-old Leny Yoro and a year younger Ayden Heaven. They'll have a tough challenge to stop the scorer of 10 EPL goals this season, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who's been playing in strong form lately, which has earned him a comeback to the England national team.
Still, in five games at Old Trafford under Carrick, the Red Devils have as many triumphs, so there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic and believe in another victory.
Leeds haven't beaten United in the league since September 2002. Has the time finally come, after 24 years, to celebrate against their great rivals?
ENGLAND PREMIER LEAGUE ROUND 32
Friday
West Ham - Wolverhampton 4-0 (1-0)
/Mavropanos 42, 83, Castellanos 66, 68/
Saturday
Arsenal - Bournemouth 1-2 (1-1)
/Gyokeres 35 pen - Kroupi 17, Scott 74/
Brentford - Everton 2-2 (1-1)
/Thiago 3 pen, 76 - Beto 26, Dewsburry-Hall 90+1/
Burnley - Brighton 0-2 (0-1)
/Wieffer 43, 89/
Liverpool - Fulham 2-0 (2-0)
/Ngumoha 36, Salah 40/
Sunday
Crystal Palace - Newcastle 2-1 (0-1)
/Mateta 80, 90+4 pen - Osula 43/
Nottingham Forest - Aston Villa 1-1 (1-1)
/Williams 38 - Murillo 23 og/
Sunderland - Tottenham 1-0 (0-0)
/Mukiele 61/
Chelsea - Manchester City 0-3 (0-0)
/O'Reilly 51, Guehi 57, Doku 68/
Monday
22.00: (1.65) Man.Utd. (4.10) Leeds (5.10)
***odds are subject to change***