Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has urged his players to focus on the game and ignore the loud Elland Road crowd ahead of their Premier League trip to Leeds United on Sunday lunchtime.
The first match of 2026 promises to be a fiery clash in what is famously called the ‘War of the Roses’, one of the oldest rivalries in English football.
United face a hostile environment as they travel along the M62 to Elland Road, where Leeds will be buoyed by their current unbeaten run.
Amorim, who has experience in big derbies in Portugal, admits that this rivalry is different and that the noise and energy in Yorkshire will be a new challenge for him and his squad.
Leeds on a Hot Streak, United Missing Key Players
Leeds come into the game in high spirits. The Yorkshire side are unbeaten in their last six matches, including a goalless draw against defending champions Liverpool on New Year’s Day.
They are desperate to beat Manchester United for the first time in the Premier League since 2010.
Amorim knows Leeds are dangerous. “They have a lot of pace, and sometimes we struggle with pace,” he said. He also highlighted the tactical adjustments Leeds have made, rotating their usual starters and changing their system in recent games.
“They have good players, a good manager, great environment. It is going to be a tough game,” Amorim added.
United, however, is facing a major squad problem. Amorim is likely to be without eight key players for the clash.
Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Harry Maguire, and Matthijs de Ligt are all sidelined with injuries, while Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui are away representing their countries at the Africa Cup of Nations.
These absentees give Leeds hope of achieving a historic victory.
The Whites have not beaten United in a Premier League match at Elland Road since September 2002, and with recent confidence building under manager Daniel Farke, they will be dangerous at home.
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Amorim’s First Taste of the ‘War of the Roses’
For Amorim, this will be his first experience of the rivalry between Manchester United and Leeds.
The Portuguese manager has previously managed in big derbies in Portugal, including the Lisbon derby, while in charge of Sporting.
He has also played in high-profile matches against Liverpool and Manchester City.
“It’s different,” Amorim said, reflecting on the comparison with Portugal. “In Portugal, it’s a big rivalry. Here it is the same. Different environment, different culture but the noise is going to be big. We just have to perform.”
Amorim stressed the importance of not being distracted by the atmosphere.
“It is 11 guys against our 11 in the beginning, and we will try to win,” he said. His message is clear: focus on the pitch, play as a team, and ignore the crowd noise as much as possible.
Tactical Battle Expected
The Leeds manager, Daniel Farke, has done well with the squad he has. They have shown resilience, energy, and smart rotation in recent matches, which will make United’s task harder.
Amorim expects a tactical battle and has warned his players to be ready for quick movements and attacking runs from Leeds’ wide players.
“They are confident, but we have proved we can win any game in any situation, in every context, so we will try to do that again,” Amorim explained.
United have the quality to compete, even with a thinner squad, but they will need focus and discipline to get the three points.
Why This Game Matters
This match is not just about three points for Manchester United.
A win would restore confidence after a 1-1 draw against Wolves, lift morale for the new year, and send a statement to the rest of the Premier League that United are serious about top-four ambitions.
For Leeds, it is a chance to make history, break a long drought against United, and show they belong in the top flight.
The atmosphere at Elland Road will be intense, with fans eager to make their voices heard.
Amorim has made it clear that his players must rise to the challenge. Focus, teamwork, and mental strength will be key if United want to leave Yorkshire with a victory. The clash promises drama, speed, and tension from start to finish.
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