Manchester United Hold On at Elland Road and Now Rely on Other Results to Qualify for Europe

Manchester United avoided defeat at Elland Road and secured a 1–1 draw against Leeds United, a result that temporarily places the Red Devils in European qualification spots. It was their second consecutive draw to start 2026 and leaves Ruben Amorim’s side depending on other results to keep their Europa League hopes alive.

United now need slip-ups from Chelsea and Sunderland, along with favorable outcomes elsewhere in the Premier League, to remain in the top five. The match delivered drama from the opening half, including a disallowed goal by Matheus Cunha for offside, a Leeds shot that struck the post, and a crucial save by goalkeeper Lucas Perri. Still, it was Leeds who struck first after capitalizing on a defensive lapse from United.

Brenden Aaronson opened the scoring following a turnover in midfield and a breakdown in marking that allowed him to enter the box unchallenged and beat Senne Lammens, with Lisandro Martínez unable to recover in time. Manchester United responded quickly. Substitute Joshua Zirkzee made an immediate impact, threading a perfect through ball to Matheus Cunha, who finished calmly despite falling under pressure and Perri rushing off his line.

Cunha later had two more chances to complete the comeback, but poor finishing prevented United from taking all three points, highlighting the inconsistency that has defined their season so far. With the draw, Manchester United reached 31 points and climbed into fifth place — the Europa League qualification spot — holding a slim edge over Chelsea and Sunderland, both of whom have games in hand. Leeds, meanwhile, moved to 22 points and continued to distance themselves from the relegation zone.

United will face Burnley away on Wednesday, January 7, while Leeds travel to take on Newcastle the same day, with both matches scheduled for 2:15 p.m. Mexico City time.