Leeds United are raring to go against anyone in the Premier League when we’re at Elland Road, and up next in West Yorkshire after the new year are Manchester United.

United’s form has taken a major upturn thanks to newfound pragmatism from Daniel Farke in the face of real adversity.

Leeds’ switch to a 3-5-2 has allowed Farke to find marked improvements from almost all of his starting lineup and subs. As a result, it promises more to come in 2026 after a trip to Sunderland.

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Leeds United eyeing up Manchester United scalp in the new year following tricky double away day

Either side of the New Year, Leeds have two troublesome away days in store. Up first is Sunderland on December 28th, before Liverpool on January 1st.

After that, it’s a mouthwatering home clash with Manchester United at Elland Road.

Leeds United looking to build on impressive Elland Road form against Manchester United. (Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough)

Of course, all focus is on the Stadium of Light, and then Anfield. But, for us fans, the next time we’re returning to LS11 is for the fixture everyone from both sides of the rivalry looks for in the calendar.

And, with the way we’re playing at home against Chelsea, Liverpool and Crystal Palace, we’re fearing no one.

It’s not going to be the classic ‘Elland Road under the floodlights’ – it’s only ever going to be early kickoffs at home to that lot – but this place won’t ever be more hostile.

Manchester United rocked by “massive” Bruno Fernandes blow ahead of Leeds United meeting

The Red Devils won’t be heading to West Yorkshire in their best shape, importantly.

That’s because three key players are already involved in AFCON duty: Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon), Amad (Ivory Coast), and Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco). You’d imagine all three qualify for the knockouts and are ruled out for January 4th.

But, even more integral than these three is Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese playmaker was captured feeling his hamstring throughout the first half at Aston Villa on Sunday. He was then taken off during the interval.

Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes was forced off with an injury vs Aston Villa. (REUTERS/David Klein)

“It is really strange. During this year, especially at this time, we have so many problems. But, we have to cope with that,” Ruben Amorim said, per the Independent. “I think it’s soft tissue so it’s going to take a while. We’ll see.”

“It’s massive. We don’t know how bad it is but for him to come off the game…” compatriot Diogo Dalot added. “We know how tough he is, hopefully it is not too bad, and we keep with him for the next games.”

Leeds United have huge opportunity to put Manchester United to the sword without Bruno Fernandes

At the minute, I think we’re all in agreement that we’d fancy ourselves against literally any team on the planet on our own turf.

That includes a Man United side who are a shell of the side that we used to tussle with 20-plus years ago.

Add to that the fact Mbeumo, Adam, Mazraoui and now Fernandes look like being missing. As a result, that’s an incredibly vulnerable side.

The last three teams to come here have been well and truly swallowed up by Elland Road, and you’d hope we have the desired effect against them.

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