Manchester United will face Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday with Lisandro Martinez available for the Premier League fixture, Michael Carrick confirmed. The Argentine defender’s return bolsters United’s backline as they look to extend their unbeaten run at Leeds to eight matches, a streak dating back to a 1-1 draw earlier this year.
Leeds, sitting seventh in the table under Daniel Farke, are coming off a narrow 2-1 defeat to Arsenal on Saturday. They had taken the lead through James Justin and held firm for much of the match before the Gunners struck back in the final stages. Despite that loss, Leeds have shown strong home form in 2026, including a 4-1 win over Newcastle United before the international break.
The rivalry between these two clubs has been intense in recent months. Their last competitive meeting in April ended with a 2-1 win for Leeds at Old Trafford, with Noah Okafor scoring twice. Earlier this year, the teams drew 1-1 at Elland Road in Ruben Amorim's final match as Leeds manager. Aaronson scored for Leeds before Matheus Cunha equalised for United.
In a pre-season friendly at Dublin’s Croke Park, the sides drew 1-1 before United won 5-4 on penalties. That match was part of United’s preparations ahead of the new campaign, which has seen mixed results so far but demonstrated resilience.
Leeds’ manager Farke has built a side capable of challenging the top half, and the team will be aiming to secure back-to-back wins against United for the first time since 1971-72. The Whites have started the season well with two wins and three draws before their recent defeat, and their confidence at Elland Road remains high.
United are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Lammens in goal; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, and Heaven in defence; Mainoo and Tielemans in midfield; and Amad, Fernandes, Rashford, and Mbeumo forming the attacking unit. The inclusion of Martinez should strengthen their defensive options, which have been tested in recent fixtures.
Kickoff in the UK is set for the afternoon, translating to 9 a.m. on the U.S. East Coast. Sky Sports will broadcast the match in the UK. In the United States, coverage will be available on USA, with Spanish-language commentary on Telemundo. Canadian viewers can watch on DAZN and Fubo, while fans in other regions can check LiveSoccerTV for local options.
As Manchester United travel to Leeds, the fixture carries the weight of recent close encounters and the chance for both sides to assert themselves in the Premier League standings. The return of Lisandro Martinez offers United a tactical boost as they face a strong Leeds side eager to defend their home record.
According to Yahoo Sports.
