After ending 2025 with a 1-1 draw, it was much of the same as Manchester United made the short trip over the M62 to take on arch-rivals Leeds. With a freezing Sunday lunchtime clash with both sets of fans battling way before kick-off in their chants and support, the game was the least interesting thing to come of the game, given Monday morning’s announcement of Amorim’s sacking.

Following the game, United once again fail to claim a win against beatable opposition, they look bereft of options with the lack of depth, and a manager who spent most of the weekend commenting on rumoured spats with the hierarchy as the sacking was confirmed on Monday morning, which we certainly will be getting into more in the coming days.

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Teams

Leeds United: Perri, Struijk, Bijol, Bornauw (Tanaka 80′), Gudmundsson, Gruev (Gnonto 80′), Stach, Justin, Okafor (Nmecha 75′), Aaronson (Piroe 87′), Calvert-Lewin

Subs: Darlow, Byram, Longstaff, Harrison, Chambers

Manchester United: Lammens, Martinez, Heaven, Yoro (Zirkzee 63′), Shaw, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dalot, Cunha, Dorgu, Sesko

Subs: Bayindir, Kukonki, Fredricson, Malacia, Fletcher, Fletcher, Mantato, Lacey

Leeds United 1-1 Manchester United

Elland Road provided a lively backdrop on Sunday 4 January as Leeds United and Manchester United shared the points in a 1–1 Premier League draw, renewing their historic rivalry with a game full of edge and intensity. After a tight first half with few clear chances, Leeds found the breakthrough midway through the second period when Brenden Aaronson reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box and swept a composed finish past the goalkeeper, sparking wild celebrations among the home supporters.

Manchester United’s response was swift and clinical. Just minutes later, substitute Joshua Zirkzee helped engineer the equaliser, slipping a clever pass through to Matheus Cunha, who kept his nerve to slot home and restore parity. The goal shifted the momentum, with United enjoying a stronger spell as the match opened up and space began to appear at both ends of the pitch.

Both sides had chances to win it late on, Cunha striking the post for United while Joël Piroe went close for Leeds in the closing stages. In the end, a draw felt a fair reflection of a competitive afternoon. Leeds continued their impressive unbeaten run, while United showed resilience away from home, ensuring the latest chapter of this famous fixture delivered the drama and intensity it so often promises.

Talking Points

Monday morning brought confirmation of what had felt inevitable for weeks, with Manchester United announcing the dismissal of Rúben Amorim after a turbulent spell in charge. Results had continued to slide, performances lacked cohesion, and Sunday’s draw only delayed the decision rather than prevented it. Despite arriving with a clear philosophy and early optimism, Amorim was ultimately unable to arrest the club’s downward momentum, and the board moved swiftly to draw a line under a short and fractious tenure.

Attention has already turned to what comes next, with serious questions being asked about the wider direction of the club. A familiar list of potential replacements has begun to circulate, ranging from experienced European managers to ambitious younger coaches, but there is little clarity yet on the profile United truly want. Supporters are split between the desire for stability and the fear of yet another reset, with many pointing out that managerial churn has become a symptom rather than the root of the problem.

Underlying Amorim’s departure are growing reports of strained relationships behind the scenes, with disagreements between the head coach and the club hierarchy said to have intensified in recent months. Recruitment strategy, squad balance and long-term planning were all sources of tension, leaving Amorim increasingly isolated as results worsened. His exit may offer short-term relief, but unless those deeper issues are addressed, there is a growing sense that Manchester United’s next appointment could be walking into the same storm.