Man United vs Leeds LIVE: Casemiro halves deficit after Martinez sent off for hair-pull at Old Trafford

FootballSports
14 Apr 2026 • 4:34 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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Man United vs Leeds LIVE: Casemiro halves deficit after Martinez sent off for hair-pull at Old Trafford

Manchester United will host Leeds as they make the journey across the Pennines to reignite their famed rivalry in a Premier League clash with ramifications at both ends of the table.

Much has changed since these sides last met, with January’s reverse fixture - a 1-1 draw at Elland Road - proving the breaking point for Ruben Amorim’s ill-fated 14-month reign as United manager.

The club were sixth when Amorim left but under interim boss Michael Carrick, United have shot up the table to third and are now well placed in the top-five race, knowing another win will strengthen their bid to secure Champions League qualification.

Leeds, meanwhile, will come to Old Trafford off the high of qualifying for their first FA Cup semi-final in nearly 40 years but will need to refocus on Premier League survival, with the club precariously placed above the relegation zone.

Follow all the latest updates from Old Trafford in our live blog below.

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Man United vs Leeds LIVE

  • Man United host arch-rivals Leeds in Premier League | Kick-off at 8pm BST, live on Sky Sports
  • Reverse fixture proved turning point for United's season after Ruben Amorim was sacked
  • TEAM NEWS: Kobbie Mainoo misses out due to minor issue
  • 69' GOAL! Casemiro halves deficit to give United hope [MNU 1-2 LEE]
  • 56' RED CARD! Martinez sent off for hair-pull [MNU 0-2 LEE]
  • 29' GOAL! Leeds flying as Okafor volley doubles advantage [MNU 0-2 LEE]
  • 5' GOAL! Okafor tucks home as Leeds snatch early lead [MNU 0-1 LEE]

Man United 1-2 Leeds

21:34 , Will Castle

76 mins: Bogle is whipping in some delectable balls from that right-hand side. United will be the ones with the incentive to score but they need to make sure Leeds don’t get another, which would surely kill this game.

Man United 1-2 Leeds

21:33 , Will Castle

74 mins: Tanaka has gone down and isn’t getting back up, leading to jeers from the United fans who think he’s time wasting.

The Japanese midfielder has to come off in the end for Gruev, while double-goalscorer Okafor also makes way for Gnonto. He applauds the away fans as he exits, what a night he’s had.

Fernandes moves closer to Premier League record

21:32 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford

Here’s Richard Jolly at Old Trafford:

“Bruno Fernandes moves closer to equalling the Premier League assist record of 20 in a season. For Casemiro, an eighth goal shows what a fine finisher he is.”

 (Reuters)

GOAL! Man United 1-2 Leeds (Casemiro, 69')

21:26 , Will Castle

United have a way back!

The hosts have picked up since going down to 10 and it’s Fernandes who helps United find a way back into this game, delivering a perfect ball for Casemiro to head home.

That’s another assist for the Portuguese. Old Trafford is lifted.

Man United 0-2 Leeds

21:24 , Will Castle

65 mins: Chances at both ends to speak.

The first comes Gudmundsson’s way, who’s had a blinder today. The wing-back drives into the box and drills just wide of the far post.

Up the other end, Cunha does well to work himself into a shooting position and forces a fine save from Darlow.

But from the resulting corner, Leeds break with Bogle going route one and driving straight towards goal. He nutmegs his man but the ball rolls too far and into the hands of Lammens.

Man United 0-2 Leeds

21:17 , Will Castle

59 mins: Two more chances flash by for Leeds as they look to capitalise on the man advantage quickly.

They’re on course for a historic evening at Old Trafford.

Martinez banned for next three games

21:15 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford

Here’s Richard Jolly inside Old Trafford:

“Lisandro Martinez's comeback only lasted 55 minutes. That red card means he will be banned for the games against Chelsea, Brentford and Liverpool - and Harry Maguire may also be suspended for the Chelsea game.”

 (Reuters)

RED CARD! Man United 0-2 Leeds

21:14 , Will Castle

56 mins: And Martinez is gone. Violent conduct for pulling Calvert-Lewin’s hair.

He’ll protest but nothing will change. United’s night goes from bad to worse.

Man United 0-2 Leeds

21:13 , Will Castle

55 mins: Oh dear, Lisandro.

Paul Tierney has just been sent to the monitor for pulling Calvert-Lewin’s hair while jumping for the ball.

He’ll be off here.

Man United 0-2 Leeds

21:12 , Will Castle

54 mins: Leeds are beginning just to make life difficult for United rather than push for goals - instead of the 3-4-2-1, they’re operating a 5-4-1.

They’re now out to frustrate, maybe a bit more than humiliate.

Man United 0-2 Leeds

21:10 , Will Castle

52 mins: United are ticking it around the Leeds box but can’t find a way through, banging it against white bodies to no luck.

It’s possession in the right part of the pitch, at least.

Fernandes does eventually deliver a decent ball but it goes just over United heads and straight through to Darlow.

Man United 0-2 Leeds

21:07 , Will Castle

49 mins: CHANCE! United show signs of life.

It’s a wonderful touch from Sesko to take him into the box and with a sight at goal, but his shot is saved and then headed over the bar by Justin.

From the resulting corner, though, Leeds break with men in support and Shaw has to produce a very smart tactical foul to prevent any damage. It’s a yellow, but United will take that.

Man United 0-2 Leeds

21:06 , Will Castle

47 mins: We’re two minutes into this second half and already Leeds are threatening.

Calvert-Lewin gets goalside of Yoro and the defender starts tugging at the Englishman. He then lets go as Calvert-Lewin gets into the box, and that’s when he decides to go down.

Paul Tierney says no penalty.

A first for Carrick's interim reign

21:04 , Will Castle

Here’s Richard Jolly inside Old Trafford:

“Manchester United have been good at responding to adversity under Michael Carrick. However, this is the first time they have gone two goals down in a game under him. Can they come back?”

BACK UNDERWAY! Man United 0-2 Leeds

21:03 , Will Castle

We’re off again at Old Trafford - and the big news is NO changes from Michael Carrick.

Leeds out to humiliate rivals Man Utd after stunning first half

20:58 , Will Castle

 (Getty) (AP) (Reuters)

Keane: 'United will be delighted it's only two'

20:56 , Will Castle

"Man Utd will be delighted it's only two,” Roy Keane said on Sky Sports. “Leeds have been fantastic. Aggressive, passing it forward, good link-up play, you've got runners and energy.

"There's a lot of composure, United just turned up thinking they can win the game by turning up. Far from it."

Neville: 'Carrick will have to act'

20:55 , Will Castle

"The crowd are getting very restless. Carrick will definitely change it, I'm sure. He will have to act,” Gary Neville said on Sky Sports commentary.

"The back four have been well under-par. The midfield pairing of Ugarte and Casemiro isn't a pair that works together. Bruno Fernandes will have to go back into the midfield two.

"For Leeds, to a man they have been sensational."

 (AP)

HALF-TIME! Man United 0-2 Leeds

20:53 , Will Castle

Wow. What a half of football for Leeds United. And what a test interim boss Michael Carrick has on his hands as he looks to turn around what is on course for a historic humiliation at Old Trafford for Manchester United.

Leeds are two goals to the good and deservedly so, with Noah Okafor’s brace proving the difference.

They broke the deadlock on five minutes but could’ve been ahead on three, if not for the goalkeeping actions of Senne Lammens to deny Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Then at 2-0, it looked certain to be three as Ao Tanaka rounded the keeper after robbing United of possession - but there was Lisandro Martinez to produce a last-ditch tackle on the line.

If Leeds coming like this, though, it’ll be three soon enough. Then four. They smell blood. United are in disbelief.

 (AP)

HALF-TIME! Man United 0-2 Leeds

20:48 , Will Castle

We’ve had our two minutes of additional time... and there goes the whistle. Boos all around Old Trafford.

Man United 0-2 Leeds

20:47 , Will Castle

45 mins: OFF THE LINE! On his return, Lisandro Martinez comes to the rescue to deny Leeds a bit of club history!

United are caught again by the high Leeds press and Tanaka storms into the box before rounding Lammens. It looks like Leeds are about to go 3-0 up on Manchester United, before half-time, at Old Trafford.

But across comes Martinez to slide in with the tackle on the line, forcing a corner.

What a challenge. But this Leeds team want to cause a humiliation.

Man United 0-2 Leeds

20:44 , Will Castle

44 mins: Man United with a corner as we close in on half-time...

It’s punched out by Darlow through a crowd of players, and Mazraoui then whacks a wild effort high and wide from outside the box.

Man United 0-2 Leeds

20:41 , Will Castle

41 mins: Here come Leeds again...

Bogle is in acres of space on the right hand side and dinks it into Calvert-Lewin, who leaps and does manage to get his head on it, but the ball is just too high for him to have control and get it on target.

Man United 0-2 Leeds

20:40 , Will Castle

40 mins: Crunching challenge in the back of Cunha sees him shown a very warranted yellow.

Man United 0-2 Leeds

20:37 , Will Castle

37 mins: Cunha is urged to shoot from range and gives it a fair whack, but it flies over the bar. That had Darlow worried for a second.

The Brazilian is convinced Darlow tipped it over. He’s not happy with the decision of goal-kick.

Man United 0-2 Leeds

20:36 , Will Castle

33 mins: Leeds aren’t sitting back - they want more. They rip United open again and sweep the ball right, but the low delivery to Calvert-Lewin is cut out.

United don’t know what’s hit them.

'Noah changing the arc of Leeds' season'

20:35 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford

Here’s Richard Jolly inside Old Trafford:

“The goals have come in a two for Noah. Could change the arc of Leeds' season. This is shaping up as a terrible result for a relegation-threatened team who play in white. Though that team is Tottenham, not Leeds.

 (AP)

GOAL! Man United 0-2 Leeds (Okafor, 29')

20:30 , Will Castle

IT’S BEEN COMING, AND LEEDS ARE FLYING!

With the visitors ramping up the pressure, Noah Okafor - who broke the deadlock of course - goes for a speculative volley of a dropping ball. It deflects kindly off Leny Yoro and beats Senne Lammens, sending the away end into raptures!

It’s nothing less than Leeds deserve. They’ve been far the better team.

 (AP)

Man United 0-1 Leeds

20:29 , Will Castle

28 mins: Leeds are creating opportunities again and create an overload in attack, playing it across the park before finding Bogle in space in the box.

Bogle drags it across but it’s behind Calvert-Lewin, who doesn’t realise he gets the ball caught on his feet and the chance goes.

They then come again as they catch Casemiro in possession, but Ampadu’s shot in the area is blocked.

Man United 0-1 Leeds

20:26 , Will Castle

25 mins: Oh Amad, it just got away from you!

United work it nicely and find the Ivorian running into the area. A good touch there and he could send his man and give himself a clear shot at goal from 10 yards out - but his touch is way too heavy and he falls to the turf.

Man United 0-1 Leeds

20:24 , Will Castle

23 mins: Once again, Leeds’ threat comes through their wide their wide players as both Gudmundsson and Bogle threaten with crosses.

The latter wins a corner which finds the head of Bijol, but he gets his header all wrong and misses the target, despite having a pretty clear run at it.

Man United 0-1 Leeds

20:20 , Will Castle

19 mins: Another half-chance for United as Amad works his way into the box before trying to curl into that far corner - but there is no curl to speak of.

His scuffed shot sails well wide.

Man United 0-1 Leeds

20:19 , Will Castle

18 mins: Cunha is in the book for diving.

He went down under the challenge of Bijol despite the defender pulling his dangling leg away. The referee had a perfect view of it and penalises the Brazilian.

 (Getty)

Man United 0-1 Leeds

20:18 , Will Castle

17 mins: It’s end-to-end stuff!

Gudmundsson’s crosses are giving United real trouble as he whips in another dangerous ball for white shirts to latch onto from the left, but this time the hosts just about deal with it.

They then break up the other end Sesko has a run at his man towards the box, but it becomes awkward for the big Slovenian and his eventual effort is tame.

It's been a while, Leeds fans...

20:14 , Will Castle

Here’s Richard Jolly inside Old Trafford:

“Not saying it is a long time since Leeds tasted victory in a league game at Old Trafford but the man who got their last winner in the top flight here, Brian Flynn, turned 70 a few months back.”

Man United 0-1 Leeds

20:13 , Will Castle

11 mins: United’s first real attack of note sees Amad chase a bouncing ball in behind.

He’s caught up by a Leeds man but cuts in on the edge of the box to shoot, but his effort is saved low by Darlow.

Man United 0-1 Leeds

20:12 , Will Castle

8 mins: This is all Daniel Farke could’ve asked of his players in these first eight minutes.

His players are hounding the United defence, chasing down the ball and giving Michael Carrick’s back five some nervy moments.

It’s only the away end you can hear right now.

'Brilliant start for Leeds'

20:08 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford

Here’s Richard Jolly inside Old Trafford:

“Brilliant start for Leeds but also notable they have had two great chances from similar situations, getting their wing-backs forward to outflank Manchester United. Senne Lammens saved from Dominic Calvert-Lewin. He could not stop Noah Okafor.”

 (Getty)

GOAL! Man United 0-1 Leeds (Okafor, 5')

20:06 , Will Castle

It IS the dream start!

Senne Lammens denied Dominic Calvert-Lewin but there was nothing he could do about that, with the ball falling kindly to Noah Okafor after Lenny Yoro fails to deal with Jayden Bogle’s cross, slotting it past the Belgium and breaking the deadlock for Leeds.

Man United 0-0 Leeds

20:04 , Will Castle

2 mins: SAVE! Leeds should be in front!

Gudmundsson whips in a PERFECT low delivery that whips around the Man United shirts into Calvert-Lewin’s path, but Lammens somehow denies the Englishman from point-blank range!

So nearly the perfect start for the visitors.

KICK-OFF! Man United 0-0 Leeds

20:01 , Will Castle

We are off and running at Old Trafford!

Here come the teams

19:56 , Will Castle

The teams are in the tunnels at Old Trafford... we are moments away from getting underway!

Closing in on kick-off

19:50 , Will Castle

We are T-minus 10 minutes until kick-off at Old Trafford.

This one is always a feisty affair and should make for some perfect Monday night viewing - who needs the Masters, eh?

We’ll have minute-by-minute updates from the clash, right here.

Final preparations

19:43 , Will Castle

 (Martin Rickett/PA Wire) (Getty Images) (REUTERS)

Head-to-head: Can Leeds get finally get one over on their rivals?

19:40 , Will Castle

Manchester United have not lost to their arch-rivals Leeds since they made their first return to the Premier League in 16 years back in 2020, going unbeaten across seven meetings.

However, United’s record in that time frame has been far from perfect, winning four and drawing three. Their last contest was the 1-1 draw played out at Elland Road in January, with Matheus Cunha’s strike cancelling out Brenden Aaronson’s opener.

Leeds also held United to a draw on their last trip to Old Trafford back in Feburary 2023, though it could’ve been better as they squandered a two-goal lead, having gone in front in the very first minute through Wilfried Gnonto.

They lived to regret that game, with Leeds having not claimed victory against United since stunningly knocking them out of the FA Cup in the third round in 2010, Jermaine Beckford’s goal proving the difference.

And in the league, their wait for a win goes back to 2002, when Harry Kewell - a man whose reputation of course turned toxic due to his later Galatasaray affiliation - got the decisive goal.

Will this be the night they finally get one over on United?

 (Getty Images)

Harry Maguire wants to make next season special after extending his Man Utd stay

19:31 , Will Castle

Harry Maguire believes Manchester United are “in a forward curve” and said he wants to be part of a special campaign next season after signing a new deal to stay at Old Trafford beyond this summer.

“It’s amazing,” Maguire said on the club website. “Obviously, it’s my seventh year. To be at this club, to play for this club for one game is really special. So, to be here seven years – it’s going to be eight – I’m really looking forward to it.

“A big, strong end to the season is the focus now, to put us in a strong position going into next year, and then we’ve got to make next year a lot better and a lot more positive and a lot more special. I’m really looking forward to it.

“I feel like we’re in a good place at the moment. I believe we’re in a forward curve with the club, and I want to be part of that.

“I want to leave the club in a good place, when I do leave the club, and that’s the most important thing. It’s not about me, it’s not about individuals. It’s about the team and the club, and wanting to leave the club in a good place.

“I feel like next season could be a special year, if we carry on working hard, if we recruit well in the summer. It’s a big summer ahead, but like I said, focus on this year to make sure we’re in a good position for next year and then make next year a special year.”

 (PA Archive)

Michael Carrick knows the value of Champions League in helping secure players

19:20 , Will Castle

Michael Carrick says a deal to tie down Kobbie Mainoo’s long-term future is “getting closer” – but admits securing Champions League football will help persuade players to commit to Manchester United.

With Harry Maguire signing an extension in recent days, Mainoo could soon follow suit and Carrick is optimistic that discussions are heading in the right direction.

“We’d like to think so and it’s getting closer, so we’re positive with that,” he said.

“We’re calm with it, but we’re positive with it and time will tell how it goes. At the moment, we are in a good place.”

He added: “I think the Champions League just brings so many positive things. It’s where we want to be, there’s no getting away from that.

“That has ramifications for so many different things over…players staying, if it is that; if it’s players coming in, it’s financially (important to) all sorts of different things. It’s what we want to be and we need to try and get used to being in there more often.”

 (Getty)

Mainoo out with minor injury

19:15 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford

Kobbie Mainoo, by the way, has a minor issue. United may miss him. Manuel Ugarte is scarcely a good-luck omen: he has started nine games this season and they have only won one of them.

 (PA Archive)

Daniel Farke backs Ao Tanaka to shine at Leeds

19:09 , Will Castle

Daniel Farke insists Japan midfielder Ao Tanaka is happy at Leeds and will get further chances to prove he is a top Premier League player.

"Lately there have been really good performances, so based on that I don't see anything. I know that he loves to play for this club and is happy with us.

"I'm very happy with his development because Ao is not the youngest anymore and for him it's his first season in a top flight.

"He has said publicly he's not yet good enough for this level, but we've always believed in Ao. He produced a really good performance (at West Ham) and proved against a Premier League side that he can play at the top level.

"For Ao there is no limit because he's a top player. He's done this in recent weeks and for that there will be more chances for him in the coming weeks to shine. If he produces performances like he did at West Ham then we are all happy."

 (Getty)

The dreaded half-and-half scarf rears its head

19:05 , Will Castle

A half-and-half scarf... for a rivalry as heated as this one? That’s footballing sacrilege.

 (Getty Images) (PA)

A warm-up for the warm-up?

19:01 , Will Castle

There are stakes at both ends of the table in tonight’s clash between these arch-rivals - but in a few months’ time, these two will meet again on a much more unique, and less pressurised, occasion.

United’s pre-season plans begun to take shape last week after confirming their first friendly as a clash in Dublin against tonight’s opposition, Leeds.

The Premier League rivals will meet at the 82,000-capacity Croke Park stadium on 12 August and will be one of six matches being planned for United in Europe during the summer.

It will be the first football match staged at the venue - which is the traditional home of Gaelic sports - since the Republic of Ireland faced France there in 2009’s World Cup play-off; the night of Thierry Henry’s infamous handball that proved decisive in denying Ireland a place at the tournament finals.

Image from: Man United vs Leeds LIVE: Casemiro halves deficit after Martinez sent off for hair-pull at Old Trafford

Man United to face arch-rivals in Dublin as pre-season plans begin to take shape

Atmosphere builds at Old Trafford

18:58 , Will Castle

 (Getty Images) (Getty Images) (REUTERS)

Leeds get triple injury boosts as trio of doubts start

18:55 , Will Castle

Leeds are without the injured Anton Stach and Joe Rodon, with James Justin appearing to move into left centre-back.

Jaka Bijol, Noah Okafor and Gabi Gudmundsson were all considered doubts but do start tonight.

Lisandro Martinez returns as Michael Carrick shakes things up

18:51 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford

Michael Carrick has made very few changes to his team in his time in charge but, all of sudden there are four tonight.

Manuel Ugarte makes his first start under Carrick, with no Kobbie Mainoo.

A fit-again Lisandro Martinez is in for the banned Harry Maguire.

Noussair Mazraoui starts instead of Diogo Dalot and Bryan Mbeumo makes way for Benjamin Sesko.

 (Getty)

Leeds team CONFIRMED!

18:50 , Will Castle

Leeds XI: Darlow; Struijk, Bijol, Justin; Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson; Aaronson; Okafor, Calvert-Lewin.

Subs: Perri, Byram, Bornauw, Longstaff, Gruev, Gnonto, Buonanotte, Piroe, Nmecha.

Man United team CONFIRMED!

18:47 , Will Castle

Man United XI: Lammens; Mazraoui, Yoro, Martinez Shaw; Casemiro, Ugarte; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko.

Subs: Bayindir, Dalot, Heaven, Malacia, Mount, Fletcher, Lacey, Mbeumo, Zirkzee.

Team news coming up

18:41 , Will Castle

Just a few minutes away from learning this evening’s team news - here’s what we know already...

United welcomed Lisandro Martinez back to the fold during their training camp in County Kildare, meaning the Argentine is in contention after five games out. Mason Mount, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko are also set to be available but the game will come too soon for Patrick Dorgu, who is not yet ready to return. Matthijs De Ligt remains absent while Harry Maguire, who signed a new contract this week, is suspended.

Leeds will make the trip across the Pennines without Anton Stach and Joe Rodon, while former United winger Dan James is also unavailable. Jaka Bijol, Noah Okafor and Gabi Gudmundsson are all doubts.

Michael Carrick planning for next season despite uncertainty over Man Utd role

18:29 , Will Castle

Michael Carrick has confirmed he is taking an active role in Manchester United’s planning for next season, despite awaiting a decision on his own future.

“Certainly, in the role I’m in, there’s decisions that need taking care of,” he said.

“I said it as soon as I came here – I’m part of that and whatever that looks like moving forward, I’m part of that.

“I’m trying to improve things and make things better all the time. Certainly there’s conversations in different directions and different things that I’m definitely part of. And I think it should be that way anyway, because things need done. So I’m here to take care of that.”

Michael Carrick is helping plot Manchester United’s future (Martin Rickett/PA) (PA Wire)

Premier League relegation battle: How is Leeds' run-in shaping up?

18:16 , Will Castle

Position: 15th | Played: 31 | Points: 33 | GD: -11

Remaining fixtures:

  • 13 April - Manchester United (A)
  • 18 April - Wolves (H)
  • 25 April - Bournemouth (A)
  • 2 May - Burnley (H)
  • 9 May - Tottenham (A)
  • 17 May - Brighton (H)
  • 24 May - West Ham (A)

Where to pick up points? The fixtures have fallen fairly kindly for Leeds and the chances are there for them to secure Premier League football next season. Three wins would definitely be enough to survive and two may well do it, so they’ll be eyeing up home fixtures against the current bottom two – Wolves and Burnley – to get over the line. Away games against relegation rivals Tottenham and West Ham also look like prime opportunities to get results on the board.

Tricky contests? Their first game after the international break, away to high-flying Manchester United, is their toughest remaining fixture on paper and leaving Old Trafford with anything would be hugely impressive. That is their only game against a team currently above 10th in the standings but a trip to Bournemouth in April and hosting European football-chasing Brighton in their penultimate fixture won’t be easy. Will an FA Cup quarter-final against West Ham straight after the international break prove to be a welcome distraction or a hindrance?

Final straight? Leeds will be desperate to have secured safety by the time they travel to West Ham on the final day but if not, that could be a high-octane shootout for survival. Games against Brighton and Spurs immediately preceding that are too unfriendly as finales go.

 (PA)

Borussia Dortmund plot third Jadon Sancho signing after troubled Manchester United spell

17:59 , Richard Jolly

Borussia Dortmund are interested in signing Jadon Sancho for a third time when his troubled spell at Manchester United officially ends, The Independent understands.

The winger is on loan at Aston Villa this season but is available on a free transfer in the summer and Dortmund have confirmed they hope to bring him back to the Signal Iduna Park.

Sancho is in the final months of a six-year contract at Old Trafford – though he has not played for United since the 2024 Community Shield and has not appeared for them in the Premier League since 2023 – and while they have an option to extend his deal for a year, they are unlikely to do so.

Image from: Man United vs Leeds LIVE: Casemiro halves deficit after Martinez sent off for hair-pull at Old Trafford

Borussia Dortmund plot third Jadon Sancho signing after troubled Man United spell

Wayne Rooney and Luke Littler explain the importance of arrogance to teenage sporting success

17:44 , Will Castle

Wayne Rooney and Luke Littler feel a certain level of “arrogance” helped them light up the sporting world as teenagers.

The pair, consisting of a Man United legend and Manchester’s own darts sensation, have spoken about their respective journeys on the BBC’s Wayne Rooney Show podcast, with the former England star saying: “I’ve always had belief, and this is where I think there’s loads of comparisons (between us).

“I think you have to have a certain level of arrogance to be at your best, and that’s not in a bad way.

“From when I was younger I felt that. When I got in Everton’s first-team, I’ve said it many times, I felt like I was the best player at 16.

“Then I moved to Man United, then with England and stuff, you feel you can always make a difference.”

Littler then added: “Obviously I’ve been playing tournament-wise for many years. I think maybe my first proper tournament was at like nine, maybe 10.

“And just like Wayne said, you show a bit of arrogance. The more you do it, obviously people might not like it, but as long as you feel comfortable about doing it, that’s all that matters.”

Image from: Man United vs Leeds LIVE: Casemiro halves deficit after Martinez sent off for hair-pull at Old Trafford

Rooney and Littler explain the importance of arrogance to teenage sporting success

How the reverse fixture marked a turning point for Man United's season

17:30 , Will Castle

When Manchester United last faced off against their arch-rivals Leeds at Elland Road in January, it was under much gloomier circumstances.

Ruben Amorim’s dismal reign was still plodding along with the club in sixth, as United eked out a 1-1 draw on the day. But after the Portuguese hit out at his bosses in an explosive press conference after the match, his 14-month stint ended with the sack.

After a couple of winless games under caretaker Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick was appointed as interim to try and steer United to a semblance of a good finish by the end of the season - and the former of midfielder has completely gone beyond expectations.

With seven wins in 10 matches, United have shot up the table to third and are now very well placed to qualify for the Champions League; a win tonight will take them 10 points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea with six games to play.

Out with the old... (Getty)...and in with the new! (PA Wire)

Odds

17:25 , Will Castle

Man United are heavy favourites to continue their recent good run of form and come out on top against Leeds, who are seeking a first league win at Old Trafford in 45 years.

Man United win - 1/2

Leeds win - 9/2

Draw - 16/5

Odds via Paddy Power

Predicted line-ups

17:20 , Will Castle

Man United XI: Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo.

Leeds XI: Perri; Struijk, Bijol, Bornauw; Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Justin; Aaronson; Nmecha, Calvert-Lewin.

Leeds team news

17:15 , Will Castle

Leeds will make the trip across the Pennines without Anton Stach and Joe Rodon, while former United winger Dan James is also unavailable.

Jaka Bijol, Noah Okafor and Gabi Gudmundsson are all doubts.

 (Getty)

Man United team news

17:10 , Will Castle

Man United welcomed Lisandro Martinez back to the fold during their training camp in County Kildare, meaning the Argentine is in contention after five games out.

Mason Mount, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko are also set to be available but the game will come too soon for Patrick Dorgu, who is not yet ready to return.

Matthijs De Ligt remains absent while Harry Maguire, who signed a new contract this week, is suspended.

 (PA Wire)

When is Man United vs Leeds?

17:05 , Will Castle

Man United’s clash with Leeds kicks off at 8pm BST on Monday 13 April at Old Trafford.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the UK can watch the game live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 6:30pm BST. If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.

Man United vs Leeds LIVE!

17:00 , Will Castle

Leeds will make the journey across the Pennines to reignite their famed rivalry with Manchester United in a Premier League clash with ramifications at both ends of the table.

Much has changed since these sides last met, with January’s reverse fixture - a 1-1 draw at Elland Road - proving the breaking point for Ruben Amorim’s ill-fated 14-month reign as United manager.

The club were sixth when Amorim left but under interim boss Michael Carrick, United have shot up the table to third and are now well placed in the top-five race, knowing another win will strengthen their bid to secure Champions League qualification.

Leeds, meanwhile, will come to Old Trafford off the high of qualifying for their first FA Cup semi-final in nearly 40 years but will need to refocus on Premier League survival, with the club precariously placed above the relegation zone.

 (Getty)

Good afternoon

16:03 , Will Castle

Hello there and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s Premier League clash between Manchester United and Leeds at Old Trafford.

Stay tuned for all the latest team news, build-up and match action!

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