- Manchester United predictions for the fixture against Leeds
- First match in 24 days
- Manchester United need a win to keep their Champions League qualification push on track.
Former Premier League winner Chris Sutton has given his prediction for Manchester United‘s clash with Leeds United on April 13. The former Blackburn Rovers and Celtic forward made his call in his weekly BBC Sport column.
Michael Carrick’s Reds enter the match after a 24-day break. Their last outing ended in a 2-2 away draw against Bournemouth, where a controversial no-penalty call and a red card for Harry Maguire dominated the game.
By contrast, Leeds arrive with momentum after beating West Ham United 4-2 on penalties to reach their first FA Cup semi-final in 39 years. But they are in the midst of a relegation battle as they head to Old Trafford.
Sutton Prediction
Sutton praised both Carrick and Daniel Farke for their respective jobs at both United clubs. He said:
“I love the job Daniel Farke has done at Leeds United and it’s great to see them at Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final, but the worry is that they picked up a few injuries in their win over West Ham.”
He added:
“Michael Carrick has really turned Manchester United around, to the extent where they are basically nailed on for Champions League football next season.”
Sutton alluded to the Red Devils’ impressive unbeaten record at home under Carrick:
“I don’t think anyone would back against them at Old Trafford at the moment, either. I can only see a home win here, with Bruno Fernandes being integral again.”
Sutton prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Leeds
Manchester United vs Leeds rivalry
You can trace its roots back to the Wars of the Roses. In 1485, after three decades of intermittent conflict, the Lancastrian cause—led by Henry VII—defeated Richard III of the House of York at the Battle of Bosworth Field to claim the throne.
Two years later, victory at the Battle of Stoke Field brought the wars to a decisive close, sealing the rise of the House of Tudor—a union of Lancaster and York that ended one of England’s most bitter divides.
A rivalry that is forged by more than just club football—it speaks to identity: club, city, and county. A win is vital for both sides.
Since Carrick’s appointment on January 13, United’s trajectory has shifted. Ten games have seen seven wins, two draws, and just a solitary defeat.
The Reds have transitioned from tentative top-four hopefuls into a side deep-rooted in third, now looking one of the most credible contenders to secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League—a stage they have not graced since 2023.
But a single win could still see the Reds slip up. Just one point ahead of Aston Villa, five ahead of Liverpool, and six ahead of Chelsea, two bad games could uproot their entire season.
Meanwhile, Leeds United have slipped back into the relegation battle. Perched precariously on a knife-edge, they sit just four points above the drop.
