Key Points
- Leeds United’s away Premier League fixture against Manchester United at Old Trafford has been selected for live television coverage by Sky Sports, necessitating a change in the original date and kick-off time.
- The match is scheduled for Saturday, 11 April 2026, at 15:00 BST at Old Trafford, Manchester.
- This rescheduling aligns with Sky Sports’ broadcast selections for the 2025/26 Premier League season, a common practice to accommodate viewers.
- No specific original date or time was detailed in the official Leeds United announcement, but such changes typically shift from standard Saturday 3pm slots.
- The fixture reignites the historic Roses rivalry between the two Yorkshire and Greater Manchester clubs.
- Broader context includes recent form, with Manchester United under Ruben Amorim aiming to improve after draws, while Leeds remain unbeaten in six.
- Team news highlights injuries and suspensions for both sides, including Bruno Fernandes out for United and Ethan Ampadu suspended for Leeds (from related coverage).
- TV coverage in the UK will be on Sky Sports or TNT Sports depending on final confirmations, with international options like NBC Sports.
- Historical note: Manchester United unbeaten in last 25 PL games vs newly promoted sides; Leeds strong recent form post-promotion.
- Under-21s fixture also adjusted, moved to Thorp Arch for 13:00 GMT.
Leeds (The Leeds Times) March 4, 2026 – Leeds United’s eagerly anticipated Premier League away clash with Manchester United has been rescheduled for live broadcast on Sky Sports, altering the fixture’s date and kick-off time to Saturday, 11 April 2026, at 15:00 BST at Old Trafford. This change, announced via the club’s official channels, underscores the broadcasters’ influence on the 2025/26 schedule to maximise viewership for one of English football’s fiercest rivalries. Fans of both clubs will need to adjust travel and viewing plans accordingly.
- Key Points
- What Triggered the Fixture Change?
- When and Where Is the New Date Set?
- Which Broadcasters Are Covering the Game?
- What Is the Historical Context of This Rivalry?
- How Are the Teams Performing Ahead of the Fixture?
- What Injuries and Suspensions Affect Both Sides?
- Why Does This Matter for Fans and the League?
- What Are the Broader Fixture Implications?
What Triggered the Fixture Change?
The rescheduling stems directly from Sky Sports selecting the match for live television transmission, a standard procedure in the Premier League where broadcasters notify clubs of picks months in advance. As per the official Leeds United update titled “Fixture Update: Manchester United (A)”, the game at Old Trafford will now occur on 11 April 2026.
Sky Sports’ fixture list confirms “Manchester United 0 0 15:00 Leeds United” on Saturday 11th April under Premier League, indicating the selected slot. Historically, similar adjustments occurred, such as Manchester United’s 2022 trip to Leeds moving to Sunday 20 February at 14:00 GMT for Sky Sports coverage, as reported on manutd.com.
As noted by Sky Sports in their fixtures section, such changes ensure key matches reach a wide audience, with no further details on the original scheduling provided in recent reports.
When and Where Is the New Date Set?
The match is locked in for Saturday, 11 April 2026, with a 15:00 kick-off at Old Trafford, Manchester. Sofascore corroborates this, stating
“Manchester United is going head to head with Leeds United starting on 11 Apr 2026 at 14:00 UTC time at Old Trafford stadium, Manchester city, England in Premier League”.
This timing avoids clashes with other fixtures, following Manchester United’s home game against Brentford on 25 April and preceding Chelsea vs United on 18 April. Leeds United’s announcement emphasises the away nature “(A)”, prompting fans to note the venue shift implications for away support.
No changes to ticket allocations or refunds were specified, unlike the Under-21s game relocated to Thorp Arch, where ticket refunds are offered.
Which Broadcasters Are Covering the Game?
Sky Sports leads UK coverage for this fixture, as selected for the 11 April slot. While some reports mention TNT Sports for other Leeds-Man Utd clashes, like the January 2026 game at Elland Road on TNT Sports 1 at 12:30 GMT, the April away leg aligns with Sky.
ESPN details broader options: TNT Sports in UK, NBC Sports in US, JioHotstar in India, Stan Sport in Australia. RadioTimes confirms for similar fixtures, TNT Sports 1 from 11:00, with BT Broadband add-ons at £18 monthly.
Manchester United’s site for the reverse fixture highlights MUTV for live updates, line-ups, and replays, with commentators Liam Bradford and Danny Webber.
What Is the Historical Context of This Rivalry?
The Manchester United-Leeds United encounter revives the intense Roses derby, absent competitively since United’s 2-0 win at Elland Road in February 2023, with goals from Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho. As reported on manutd.com by their news team, “It’s been almost three years since our last competitive meeting with the Whites”.
Opta stats reveal United unbeaten in 25 PL games against newly promoted sides since a 2021 Watford loss, potentially testing Leeds post-promotion. However, United have never beaten Leeds in a first league game of a calendar year, drawing or losing historically.
Leeds drew 1-1 at Old Trafford in 2023 despite United’s comeback, per form guides.
How Are the Teams Performing Ahead of the Fixture?
Manchester United, managed by Ruben Amorim, seek momentum after a “disappointing draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers”, with Joshua Zirkzee’s goal cancelled out by Ladislav Krejci. A prior 1-0 win over Newcastle featured Patrick Dorgu’s first goal.
Leeds boast an unbeaten run in six since a 3-2 loss to Manchester City on 29 November 2025, including a 3-1 shock over Chelsea, 4-1 vs Crystal Palace, and draws with Liverpool (twice), Brentford, and Sunderland.
This forms part of January’s packed schedule, with United hosting Brighton in FA Cup next.
What Injuries and Suspensions Affect Both Sides?
Team news from manutd.com details United woes: Bruno Fernandes out with hamstring from Aston Villa game; Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount unlikely to return; Amad, Bryan Mbeumo, Noussair Mazraoui at Africa Cup of Nations.
Leeds miss captain Ethan Ampadu (suspended, fifth yellow vs Liverpool), Joe Rodon (ankle vs Sunderland), Daniel James (injury). Manager Daniel Farke hopes for Sebastiaan Bornauw and Ilia Gruev after cramps at Anfield.
Ruben Amorim stressed a “team effort” in his press conference.
Why Does This Matter for Fans and the League?
Such TV selections boost global reach but disrupt routines, especially for away fans travelling to Old Trafford. Premier League’s broadcast deals, worth billions, prioritise this, as seen in festive changes like Leeds’ Sunderland game on Sky.
For Leeds, newly promoted, high-profile exposure aids visibility; United aim to leverage home advantage in title push. Rivals’ games on the day include City vs Chelsea.
What Are the Broader Fixture Implications?
United’s April run: Leeds (11th), then Chelsea away (18th), Brentford home (25th). Leeds’ schedule includes earlier TNT-covered home clash on 4 January 2026 at Elland Road, 12:30 GMT, referee Jarred Gillet, VAR James Bell.
Under-21s adjustment to 13 Feb at Thorp Arch shows cascading effects. Fans should check official sites for tickets and streams.
