Manchester United salvaged a point with Matheus Cunha's quick equalizer after Brenden Aaronson's opener, extending Leeds United's unbeaten run to seven matches. The draw leaves both teams with mixed results in their first Premier League game of 2026 at Elland Road. Despite absences due to injuries and international duty, the match ended in a balanced stalemate.
The Premier League encounter at Elland Road on January 4, 2026, saw Leeds United and Manchester United share the spoils in a 1-1 draw, marking the opening fixture of the calendar year for both sides.
Leeds, under Daniel Farke, entered the match on a strong note, unbeaten in their previous six league games, including a 0-0 draw at Liverpool on January 1. Seven points clear of the relegation zone, the hosts aimed for their first league win against Manchester United since 2002. However, they were without captain Ethan Ampadu due to suspension and injuries to Joe Rodon and Daniel James.
Manchester United, managed by Ruben Amorim, sought to climb into fourth place but arrived depleted. Key absences included Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt with injuries, Bruno Fernandes sidelined by a hamstring issue, and Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. This followed a 1-1 home draw against bottom-placed Wolves three days prior, with United winning just one of their last five matches.
The first half was cautious, with few clear chances. Dominic Calvert-Lewin hit the post with a header for Leeds, while Manchester United had a goal disallowed for offside when Cunha volleyed in from a Casemiro pass. Leny Yoro forced a save from Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri.
The game ignited in the 62nd minute when Aaronson capitalized on defender Ayden Heaven's misjudgment of a through ball, slotting past Senne Lammens to give Leeds the lead. Elland Road erupted, but joy was short-lived. Three minutes later, Cunha equalized, finishing a threaded pass from substitute Joshua Zirkzee into the far corner after catching Perri in no man's land.
Cunha nearly scored again 10 minutes from time, but his shot struck the post. Leeds substitute Joël Piroe curled over late on, but the scoreline reflected the even contest. Leeds now sit eight points above relegation danger, while United remain three points outside the top four.
Post-match, Amorim praised his side's control: “We did well. We improved a lot of things compared to the last game. We controlled the hostility of the offence from Leeds.” Farke echoed the sentiment: “I’m proud of my lads. To face a side of the calibre of Man United, it’s difficult... I’m very proud of the mentality of my players.”
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand highlighted transfer regrets, criticizing the club for not signing Victor Osimhen last summer and selling Danny Welbeck in 2014. He noted Benjamin Sesko's struggles, with just two goals in 17 appearances.
Leeds host Newcastle next, while United travel to Burnley, both on Wednesday.
