The storied rivalry between Leeds United and Manchester United is set to ignite once more as the two sides clash at Elland Road on Sunday, January 4, 2026. It’s a fixture that never fails to deliver drama, history, and high stakes, and this edition is shaping up to be no different. With both teams heading into the match with plenty to prove, the anticipation among fans on both sides of the Pennines is palpable.
Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. local time in Leeds, which means an early start for viewers in the United States—7:30 a.m. Eastern Time, 6:30 a.m. Central, 5:30 a.m. Mountain, and a bleary-eyed 4:30 a.m. Pacific. The match will be broadcast live on USA Network, with streaming available via DIRECTV, NBC Sports, and Sling. For those looking to catch the action from abroad, a VPN service such as NordVPN may be necessary to access the familiar streaming platforms.
This is the first league meeting between the two clubs in three years, with Manchester United last traveling to Elland Road in February 2023. On that occasion, the Red Devils secured a 2-0 victory, a result that contributed to Leeds’ eventual relegation at the end of the 2022-2023 season. Since then, Leeds have been fighting their way back, and now, with 21 points to their name, they’re desperate to put some distance between themselves and the relegation zone.
Leeds United come into this match riding a wave of cautious optimism. They’re currently unbeaten in their last six league matches, a run that included a gritty 0-0 draw against Liverpool just days ago. That result has given the Yorkshire side a much-needed boost, especially considering their dismal record against Manchester United over the past two decades. In fact, Leeds have only managed to beat their fierce rivals twice in the last 23 years, with their most recent triumph coming in a memorable FA Cup upset at Old Trafford back in 2010.
But could this be the year that Leeds finally break their long-standing hoodoo? The team’s recent form suggests they’re up for the fight. The defense has tightened up, the midfield is showing more bite, and the attack—while not always prolific—has found ways to trouble even the league’s top sides. With Elland Road set to be a cauldron of noise, the home fans will be hoping their team can channel the energy and make history.
Manchester United, on the other hand, arrive in West Yorkshire under a cloud of uncertainty. The Red Devils have managed just three wins in their last ten matches, a run that has seen them slip down the Premier League table and cast doubt over their European ambitions. Their most recent outing—a frustrating 1-1 draw with bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton—has only intensified the pressure. Points are at a premium, and the margin for error is shrinking fast.
"We know what this fixture means—not just to the fans, but to the players and everyone at the club," said a Manchester United spokesperson ahead of the match, capturing the sense of urgency that surrounds the team. With European qualification still within reach but far from guaranteed, every match feels like a must-win, and the stakes are even higher when facing a historic rival.
The emotional charge of this fixture is impossible to overstate. Leeds and Manchester United have been at each other’s throats for generations, with every meeting bringing with it a sense of occasion and a dash of unpredictability. Pride is always on the line, but so too are crucial points that could define the trajectory of each team’s season.
For Leeds, a victory would not only be a major psychological boost but could also provide the breathing room they need in their battle against relegation. With 21 points currently on the board, every result matters as they look to secure their Premier League status for another year. The six-game unbeaten streak has fostered belief within the squad, and the draw against Liverpool proved they can mix it with the best when the chips are down.
Manchester United’s situation is more complex. While their squad boasts talent and pedigree, inconsistency has been the theme of the campaign. Dropped points against lower-ranked sides—like the recent stalemate with Wolves—have left fans and pundits alike scratching their heads. The pressure is mounting, and with rivals breathing down their necks in the race for European spots, United can ill afford another slip-up.
The broadcast and streaming options for this high-stakes encounter are plentiful. USA Network is carrying the live TV broadcast in the United States, while fans can also stream the game through DIRECTV, Sling, and NBC Sports. Those using DirecTV Stream will find a range of packages, including options for other major sports leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, as well as soccer-specific channels like NBC, FOX, ESPN, TNT, CBS, FOX Deportes, Telemundo, Univision, TUDN, and GolTV. For those on the move, the service is accessible via computers, smartphones, tablets, Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick, Google TV, Samsung, and Peloton devices.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, it’s a packed Sunday slate. Fulham take on Liverpool, Tottenham face Sunderland, Everton host Brentford, Newcastle United meet Crystal Palace, and Manchester City welcome Chelsea in another marquee matchup. But for many, all eyes will be fixed on Elland Road, where history, pride, and precious points are all up for grabs.
With both teams chasing very different goals—Leeds fighting for survival, Manchester United aiming for Europe—the stakes could hardly be higher. The form book may favor Leeds, but history is firmly on United’s side. Will the hosts finally end their long wait for a win against their bitter rivals, or will the Red Devils find a way to steady their ship and keep their European hopes alive?
As kickoff approaches, one thing’s for certain: this is a Premier League fixture that promises fireworks. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a neutral drawn in by the rivalry, Leeds vs. Manchester United is a match you won’t want to miss. The action is about to unfold, and the story of the season could well hinge on what happens at Elland Road.