What Happened to Manchester United vs. Leeds United (Football Rivalry)?
The 'Roses Rivalry' between Manchester United and Leeds United is one of English football's most historic and intense rivalries, rooted in centuries-old county animosity. After a period of dormancy due to Leeds' relegation, the rivalry was reignited with Leeds' return to the Premier League in 2020 and continues today, with both clubs currently competing in the top flight as of April 2026.
Quick Answer
The football rivalry between Manchester United and Leeds United, known as the 'Roses Rivalry,' is deeply historical, stemming from the 15th-century Wars of the Roses. After Leeds United's return to the Premier League in 2020 following a 16-year absence, the fixture regained its prominence. As of April 2026, both clubs are competing in the Premier League, with Manchester United positioned 3rd and Leeds United 15th, and they are scheduled to play each other on April 13, 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Wars of the Roses Begin
The historical conflict between the Houses of Lancaster (red rose, associated with Manchester) and York (white rose, associated with Leeds) lays the foundation for the future football rivalry.
First Football Encounter
Leeds City (predecessor to Leeds United) and Manchester United meet for the first time in a Division Two match, with Leeds winning 3-0.
Rivalry Intensifies
Both clubs achieve significant success, frequently competing for major trophies, which fuels the on-field and off-field animosity, including notable hooliganism.
Leeds United Win First Division Title
Leeds United secure the last First Division title before the Premier League era, with Manchester United finishing second, a key moment in the rivalry.
Leeds Relegated from Premier League
Leeds United's relegation from the Premier League significantly reduces the frequency and intensity of the rivalry for over a decade.
FA Cup Upset at Old Trafford
Leeds United, then in League One, defeat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford in the FA Cup Third Round, marking their first win there in 28 years.
Leeds United Promoted to Premier League
After a 16-year absence, Leeds United are promoted back to the Premier League, setting the stage for the renewal of the 'Roses Rivalry'.
Premier League Rivalry Renewed
Manchester United host Leeds United in their first Premier League encounter in over 16 years, with Manchester United winning emphatically 6-2.
Leeds United Secure Premier League Promotion
Leeds United are promoted back to the Premier League for the 2025-26 season after winning the EFL Championship with 100 points.
Pre-season Friendly Draw
Manchester United and Leeds United play out a 0-0 draw in a pre-season friendly in Stockholm.
Premier League Draw at Elland Road
Leeds United and Manchester United draw 1-1 in a Premier League fixture at Elland Road, with Brenden Aaronson scoring for Leeds and Matheus Cunha for Man Utd.
Scheduled Premier League Match
Manchester United are scheduled to host Leeds United in a Premier League match at Old Trafford.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The 'Roses Rivalry' between Manchester United and Leeds United is one of English football's most enduring and passionate contests, transcending mere sporting competition. Its origins are often traced back to the 15th-century Wars of the Roses, a dynastic struggle between the House of Lancaster (represented by the red rose, associated with Manchester) and the House of York (represented by the white rose, associated with Leeds). This historical animosity was further fueled by industrial competition between the cities of Manchester and Leeds during the Industrial Revolution.
In footballing terms, the rivalry intensified significantly during the 1960s and 1970s, a period when both clubs enjoyed considerable success and often competed for major honors. Matches between the two were frequently characterized by fierce on-field battles and notorious off-field hooliganism involving their respective fan firms, the Leeds United Service Crew and Manchester United's Red Army. Key turning points included Leeds winning the First Division title in 1992, just before the inception of the Premier League, often at the expense of Manchester United's title aspirations.
The rivalry's intensity waned considerably after Leeds United's relegation from the Premier League in 2004, leading to a 16-year absence from the top flight. During this period, encounters were rare, with a notable FA Cup upset by Leeds at Old Trafford in 2010. However, Leeds' promotion back to the Premier League for the 2020-21 season under Marcelo Bielsa reignited the historic fixture, bringing renewed excitement and passion to the 'Roses Rivalry'.
The period between 2024 and 2026 has seen significant developments for both clubs. Manchester United endured a challenging 2024-25 season, finishing 15th in the Premier League, their lowest league position since 1989-90. Conversely, Leeds United achieved promotion back to the Premier League for the 2025-26 season, winning the EFL Championship with an impressive 100 points, triumphing over Burnley on goal difference. As of April 13, 2026, both teams are currently competing in the Premier League. Manchester United sits 3rd in the table with 55 points, while Leeds United is 15th with 33 points. A recent Premier League fixture on January 4, 2026, saw Leeds and Manchester United draw 1-1 at Elland Road, and they are scheduled to meet again today, April 13, 2026, at Old Trafford.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Manchester United vs. Leeds United (Football Rivalry) made different choices?