By: Babatunde Ajibade (Manchester United correspondent)
Facebook: Babatunde Olatunji Ajibade Twitter: ollyzjinx01 Instagram: sir_ajirowo01
After Rúben Amorim and Bryan Mbeumo claimed the Manager and Player of the Month awards, respectively, it finally feels like Manchester United is heading in the right direction, though not quite back to their best just yet. Despite a 2-2 draw in their last away game against Nottingham Forest, there’s growing optimism among the Red Devils’ faithful.
Now, attention turns to Sunday’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur, a side that has haunted United recently. Will Amorim’s men finally get revenge and secure their first win over Spurs this season?
Both sides enter this fixture with nearly identical Premier League records: five wins and three losses in ten games, scoring 17 goals apiece. The key difference lies at the back. Spurs have conceded only eight compared to United’s 16. That defensive gap could be decisive.
During the week, Manchester United’s Director of Football, Jason Wilcox, emphasized the club’s shift in recruitment strategy, focusing on players’ professionalism and character off the pitch. Speaking to Sky Sports, he noted:
“When we sign a player, it’s not just about talent. The data team, scouts, and background checks all matter. We’re looking for clean-living professionals ready to plug in and play with minimal transition.”
That change is already paying off. United are unbeaten in four matches (W3 D1), showing improved attacking fluidity while still needing to tighten up defensively.
But history doesn’t favor them. Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous quote, “Lads, it’s Tottenham”, doesn’t carry much weight anymore. United are winless in their last seven meetings with Spurs across all competitions, losing five, including each of the last four. Remarkably, Spurs beat United four times last season, including in the Europa League Final.
Currently sitting eighth in the league, level on points with Spurs and Chelsea, United will look to extend their unbeaten run to five games for the first time since early 2024. Their attacking stats are encouraging: only Liverpool (156) has taken more shots this season than United (153), and no team has registered more shots on target (54), according to Opta Analyst.
Bryan Mbeumo remains one of the key threats going forward. The Cameroonian has scored four goals against Spurs, three of them at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and will be eager to add to that tally alongside Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Šeško.
Meanwhile, Tottenham’s home form has been far from convincing. No side has lost more home league games in 2025 than Spurs (nine). Across his last 16 home Premier League matches, manager Thomas Frank has lost nine and won only three, a worrying trend. Their recent 1-0 home defeat to Chelsea saw them register an xG of just 0.1, the lowest by any team in a league game this season.
Yet, just days later, Spurs produced a stunning response. A 4-0 demolition of Copenhagen in the Champions League. Even with Johnson sent off, Micky van de Ven’s sensational solo goal and João Palhinha’s late strike sealed a dominant win. Frank hopes that the performance marks a turning point as fans demand consistency.
Manchester United, however, will sense an opportunity. Spurs’ inconsistency and poor home record could open the door for Amorim’s men to grab a crucial away win — especially with their newfound confidence and improved attacking rhythm.
Will Manchester United show a sign of consistency by going to the home of the team that they lost a European Final to and grab a win, or will Spurs show their own consistency in the league and have a better game than the Red Devils?
Comment below with your score predictions!
Manchester United record against Spurs:
|
Games won: |
96 |
|
Games drawn: |
51 |
|
Games lost: |
58 |
Team News:
(As of today, 07/11/2025)
Tottenham Hotspur: James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin, Dominic Solanke, Yves Bissouma, Ben Davies, Kota Takai, and Archie Gray are unavailable
Manchester United: Lisandro Martinez is still not fully fit.
Prediction:
United’s confidence is building, and Spurs’ home inconsistency could be the perfect opening. Expect Amorim’s men to grind out a narrow but vital victory in North London.
Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Manchester United.
It is the year 2025, and the frontrunner to win the Ballon d'Or is Ousmane Dembele, forward for Paris Saint-Germain and the France national team. The road to this point has been far from smooth, but this is the end point nonetheless. PSG are the undisputed and unquestionable kings of Europe, winning the European Cup in any format for the first time in their history - a significant feat not just for a team only founded in 1970, but one for the Qatari Sports Investment project which has been hell-bent on continental domination since their takeover in 2011. Luis Enrique's side will be remembered for years to come for their tiki taka-lite style based on fluidity and slick possession football, and at the forefront of their success has been Dembele. With the Ballon d'Or now judged on a seasonal basis - as should have always been the case, thank you, France Football - it is a campaign that should end with Dembele lifting the prestigious Golden Ball in his home country.
Historic Exchange Under Istanbul Agreement In the largest prisoner swap since the full-scale war began, Russia and Ukraine have each released 390 prisoners—comprising 270 military personnel and 120 civilians—as part of an overall 1,000-for-1,000 agreement negotiated during direct talks in Istanbul earlier in May. BBC+4www.ndtv.com+4Deutsche Welle+4Anadolu Ajansı+15Reuters+ Departures and Arrivals Ukrainian returnees arrived in the Chernihiv region, many visibly frail with shaved heads and draped in national flags, greeted by emotional reunions with relatives amid cheers and tears. Reuters+4 The Washington +4 The Daily Star +4. Some had been held in captivity for nearly two years. Russian returnees, including soldiers and civilians captured during a Ukrainian incursion into Kursk region, were first transported to Belarus for medical and psychological evaluation before being repatriated ussia. BBC+3Reuters+3 The Guardian +3. Emotional Homecomings and Lingering Uncertainty Families crowded the exchange sites, clutching photographs of missing loved ones, hoping for a clue from those stepping off the buses. One Ukrainian newly freed veteran, held for more than 830 days, encouraged others not to lose hope: “In every prison there are many guys who had no contact with their relatives. I was the same,” he said The Guardian+10The Washington Post+10The Guardian+10. But for many, the reunion came with heavy uncertainty about family members still unaccounted for. Political Messages and Future Prospects President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the swap as the only tangible outcome of the Istanbul talks and emphasized continued efforts to bring all detainees home. Hromadske The Washington PostThe Guardian. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov promised that Moscow would submit a draft peace proposal following the exchange but reiterated refusal of a ceasefire unless certain conditions were met—terms Ukraine has rejected, according to Reuters The Guardian. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who helped push for the Istanbul negotiations, congratulated both parties via his social media platform, calling the swap a possible step toward broader peace, though no ceasefire has been agreed upon, according to Reuters and the New York Post. Humanitarian Milestone Amid Ongoing Conflict This first phase swap underscores a rare moment of cooperation in a conflict that has otherwise deepened across Ukraine’s eastern and southern regions. While a few hundred lives have been restored to families, thousands remain in captivity, and both sides show no signs of halting hostilities. Negotiations may continue in coming days as both governments prepare for the next instalment of releases under the "1,000-for-1,000" agreement. For now, the tranche of 390 each represents the largest exchange of its kind since the war began.
North Korea has begun an investigation into an accident that occurred during the launch of a new warship this week, state media said Friday, assessing the damage as "not serious". North Korea said Thursday that "a serious accident occurred" at the Wednesday launch ceremony for the newly built 5,000-ton naval destroyer, in which sections of the bottom of the vessel were crushed -- with leader Kim Jong Un calling the mishap a "criminal act". North Korea has begun an investigation into an accident that occurred during the launch of a new warship this week, state media said Friday, assessing the damage as "not serious". North Korea said Thursday that "a serious accident occurred" at the Wednesday launch ceremony for the newly built 5,000-ton naval destroyer, in which sections of the bottom of the vessel were crushed -- with leader Kim Jong Un calling the mishap a "criminal act". Technology stocks led the gains in the U.S., with Apple (AAPL) up 1.8% and Nvidia (NVDA) jumping 2.4%, as demand for AI and semiconductors remains strong. Tesla (TSLA) also rebounded, rising 3.1% after announcing better-than-expected Q2 vehicle deliveries. Global stock markets showed a mixed performance as investors weighed persistent inflation concerns against a wave of corporate earnings reports. While strong results from major tech companies helped lift some indexes, uncertainty surrounding central bank policies and the future path of interest rates kept others in check. In the U.S.,
Arsenal and Manchester City played out a dramatic 1-1 draw on Sunday, with the two Premier League rivals unable to be separated through 98 or so minutes. Erling Haaland had given the visitors an early lead, before Pep Guardiola remarkably decided to park the bus to try and sneak the win. Those efforts went up in smoke in added time as Gabriel Martinelli scored to clinch a point for the Gunners. Having both slipped up domestically already this season, this wasn't quite a 'must win' affair for either side, but definitely more of a 'must not lose'. In the end, perhaps a draw in which neither team showed much attacking endeavour will please both parties. City seemed content to sit in and create chances on the break, while Arsenal didn't exactly throw the kitchen sink at their visitors in order to force the leveller. It was a pretty just outcome and neither can really have any complaints about how it ended.
Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant. Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant. Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant. Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant. Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant. Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant. Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant. Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant. Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant. Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant. Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant. Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant. Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant. Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant
Manchester United Vs Fulham Preview By: Babatunde Ajibade (Manchester United correspondent) Facebook: Babatunde Olatunji Ajibade Twitter: ollyzjinx01 Instagram: sir_ajirowo01 What a week it’s been. Back-to-back wins against the top two teams in the league is not a fluke — I don’t care what anyone says. Even the supercomputers were confused. The odds were defied, narratives were torn apart, and Old Trafford finally felt alive again. We even got hit songs out of it — Cunha-Bruno-Shaw and Dorgu-Bruno-Dorgu-Bruno. Moments like this remind you why football is emotional. It genuinely feels like the good times might be coming back to Manchester United. That said, I’m not getting carried away. This squad has always had a habit of showing up against big teams. The real test is what comes next — matches like this one. This Fulham game will tell us whether United have actually improved or if this is just another false dawn. One win away from equalling Ruben Amorim’s longest Premier League winning streak, Michael Carrick and his revitalised United side welcome Fulham to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. With the transfer window closing in England tomorrow, the club has still not brought anyone in. Yes, there have been outgoings — Joe Hugill has left for Kilmarnock — but that’s nowhere near enough. Management's position is that signings will only happen if players are available at the “right price”. To me, that’s just another excuse for poor planning. Smaller clubs are doing business this January, yet Manchester United still doesn’t have a natural left winger. With Dorgu set to be out for almost three months, we’re left with Cunha and Mount — both players who prefer operating as number 10s rather than being pushed out wide. Reinforcements are needed if we’re serious about finishing as high as possible. Everyone knows it: to attract the best players, you have to be playing Champions League football. After silencing the Emirates Stadium last Sunday, United now face another in-form side in Fulham — a team we drew 1–1 with in the first leg. It’s a match Bruno Fernandes will want to put right after missing a penalty last time out, though the midfield issues that plagued that game now appear to be sorted. Carrick’s impact has been immediate. He is the first United manager since February 2010 to record back-to-back wins against teams starting the day in the top two of the Premier League table. As things stand, United are firmly in control of the race for fourth place. The Red Devils head into Gameweek 24 with a one-point lead over Chelsea and a two-point cushion over Liverpool, riding a six-game unbeaten run — the longest in the league right now. United’s summer attacking investment is finally paying off. They’ve scored in each of their last 11 Premier League games and conceded just once in their last three at Old Trafford. The return of Bryan Mbeumo has been massive. United won just 20% of matches while he was away at AFCON, compared to a 50% win rate when he starts. Over the last two seasons, only Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland have been involved in more Premier League goals than Mbeumo. A penny for Ruben Amorim’s sexual thoughts as his successor — temporary or permanent — dismantled both Manchester City and Arsenal in consecutive league games, and did so convincingly. Carrick may have passed two of the toughest tests imaginable already, but this won’t be straightforward. Marco Silva has Fulham dreaming of Europe. After an inconsistent start to the season, the Cottagers have lost just once in their last eight matches across all competitions, winning five. Harry Wilson was the hero again last time out, curling in a last-minute free kick to complete a dramatic 2–1 comeback against Brighton. Fulham have picked up 17 points from their last eight league games — the same number they managed in their first 15. That’s the best eight-game run in their Premier League history. Wilson’s form has been central to that surge, contributing to 10 goals in his last 11 appearances. Set-pieces have also become a major weapon. Since December, only two teams have scored more set-piece goals than Fulham. The loss of Dorgu is a blow for United. He’s been involved in five goals in his last seven league appearances and ranks among the league’s best for chances created, possession won, and fouls drawn during that period. Still, history favours United. The Red Devils have lost just one of their last 20 league meetings with Fulham, though that defeat did come at Old Trafford in February 2024. The Opta supercomputer gives United a 51.7% chance of victory, compared to Fulham’s 23.7%, with the draw rated at 24.6%. Fulham, meanwhile, has a win probability of 23.7%, while the draw is ranked at 24.6%. With all the positivity around Old Trafford, this game is about consistency. Fulham will likely sit back and test United’s patience — this will be the first side to face us after those big wins with a clear plan to frustrate. What do you think? Comment below with your score predictions! Manchester United record against Fulham: Games won: 58 Games drawn: 21 Games lost: 16 Team News: (As of today, 31/01/2026) Manchester United: De ligt and Dorgu are out. Fulham: Rodrigo Muniz and Sasa Lukic are out. Prediction: For me, this is where it starts. Five straight wins would all but secure a top-four finish, given how teams below us are dropping points. Beating “smaller” teams has been United’s biggest problem for three years. If Carrick gets this right, I’ll fully back him as the new manager. Manchester United 3-1 Fulham.
Leeds United Vs Manchester United Preview By: Babatunde Ajibade (Manchester United correspondent) Facebook: Babatunde Olatunji Ajibade Twitter: ollyzjinx01 Instagram: sir_ajirowo01 First of all, I want to say Happy New Year to all our amazing readers, followers, and contributors. Welcome to 2026 — hopefully a year filled with better football, fewer excuses, and real progress for Manchester United. United begin the new year with a tough trip to Elland Road for the Roses Derby against Leeds United. There are few grounds more hostile, especially at this stage of the season, and facing a Leeds side that has found renewed belief only adds to the difficulty. The big question is simple: can Manchester United silence Elland Road and start 2026 with a statement win? The last outing against Wolves is one most United fans would rather forget — or at least move past very quickly. The 1-1 draw handed Wolves just their third point of the season, and it felt every bit like a defeat. With teams above also dropping points, a win would have pushed United into the top four yet again, only for inconsistency to rear its head. Once more, injuries and AFCON absences were offered as explanations, but at some point those excuses begin to wear thin. Off the pitch, January transfer talk is already heating up. Amorim has insisted no deal will be rushed, stressing that the squad is strong enough, though he has also admitted the board knows which areas need strengthening if moves are made. United are still being linked with Carlos Baleba, with hopes Brighton may lower their demands due to his inconsistent league form, despite an impressive AFCON showing. Wingers remain on the radar after losing out on Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City, as United try to assemble players better suited to a system Amorim may be forced to revert to — the 4-2-3-1 that worked against Newcastle, before he oddly switched back to a 3-4-1-2 against Wolves. That Wolves game brought heavy boos and criticism, much of it aimed squarely at Amorim. Drawing at home against the league’s bottom side was bad enough, but changing a winning formation and removing the goalscorer, Zirkzee, while fielding seven defensively minded players raised serious questions. Still, despite the noise, United sit sixth — just three points off the Champions League places — and head to Elland Road on a 25-game unbeaten run against newly promoted sides since the infamous Watford defeat in 2021. Away from home, United have at least found the net in seven consecutive Premier League matches, though the defensive issues remain alarming. They’ve conceded in 14 straight league away games and have already dropped 12 points from winning positions this season — more than all of last season combined. This trip to Leeds also represents just a second chance to win in five matches, with United conceding more equalisers than any other top-flight side this campaign. Opta’s supercomputer gives United a slight edge, but honestly, that offers little comfort. This team has developed a worrying habit of conceding silly goals, and Amorim’s in-game substitutions continue to raise eyebrows. What do you think — is this a team you can trust right now? Leeds, meanwhile, come into this clash full of belief. They recently earned a hard-fought clean sheet at Anfield, holding Liverpool to a goalless draw, and have now gone six league games without defeat. Daniel Farke’s side have climbed to 16th, easing relegation fears, and have taken 10 points from their last 18 available. Elland Road has become a fortress again. Leeds have scored 10 goals in their last three home games and have failed to score at home just once all season. Since switching to a back three and playing more directly, they look revitalised, organised, and dangerous — exactly the kind of opponent United struggle against. History slightly favours United. Leeds haven’t beaten them in the top flight since 2002, and United have won their last two league visits to Elland Road. Still, precedent also suggests goals at both ends, with United conceding in their last 14 away league matches — their worst run since the mid-80s. So, after that frustrating Wolves draw, what happens in United’s first match of the new year? Drop your score predictions below. Manchester United record against Leeds: Games won: 50 Games drawn: 37 Games lost: 26 Team News: (As of today 03/01/2026,) Leeds united: Ethan Ampadu, Sean Longstaff, Joe Rodon, and Daniel James are out for this game. Manchester United: Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Matthijs de Ligt are out injured. Bryan Mbeumo, Noussair Mazraoui and Amad Diallo are unavailable due to AFCON duty. Prediction: If it were up to me, I’d gladly fast-forward to the end of the season, but there are still 19 games to play and a Champions League place remains within reach. Unfortunately, this team — and this manager — remain painfully unpredictable. Still, I see United just about edging it. Leeds United 1-2 Manchester United
Manchester United Vs West Ham Preview By: Babatunde Ajibade (Manchester United correspondent) Facebook: Babatunde Olatunji Ajibade Twitter: ollyzjinx01 Instagram: sir_ajirowo01 Manchester United and West Ham United wrap up the midweek Premier League fixtures under the lights at Old Trafford on Thursday night—two teams separated by 10 places and 10 points heading into gameweek 14. United arrive with renewed belief after a spirited 2-1 comeback win at Selhurst Park. Despite falling behind to a retaken Mateta penalty—thanks to yet another rule adjustment—the Red Devils showed character. Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount turned the game around with two brilliantly executed goals, both assisted by Bruno Fernandes’ sharp vision from set pieces. Uplifting? Yes. Encouraging? Maybe. But Manchester United fans know this team too well—brilliant one day, unrecognisable the next. Consistency remains the biggest obstacle, and West Ham, who did the double over United last season, will not make things easy. United finally broke their four-game goal drought at Selhurst Park, but the first 45 minutes were simply unacceptable. The players only woke up in the second half, proving once again that this team performs only when it feels like it. That mentality must change if the push for Europe is truly on. Still, taking advantage of Palace’s Thursday-Sunday schedule played a key part—just as predicted. Stretch the opposition, press their tired legs, and force errors. United executed this perfectly in the second half. The January window is approaching, and Manchester United are reportedly exploring midfield reinforcements, with João Gomes (Wolves) and Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) on their radar. Talks with agents have reportedly begun. United are also searching for wing-backs and a new No. 10 ahead of the AFCON period. FIFA recently confirmed that clubs must release African players by December 15th, 2025, a decision seen as disrespectful by some African nations. However, it benefits United: both Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will still be available for the Bournemouth match. Even with a poor first half against Palace, the eventual win is the mark of a big club—but these players constantly need reminding of the badge they represent. A victory on Thursday could push United into the top six, keeping European hopes alive. Last season, West Ham beat United home and away—a painful double. United responded by defeating them in the preseason, but competitive matches are a different beast. The good news: Matheus Cunha is back. The concerning news: Ruben Amorim hinted at two injury doubts, wisely refusing to name them—showing he’s learning from past media handling mistakes. Ruben Amorim has lost just once in the last seven matches, but he is dangerously close to an unwanted club record. If United lose, he becomes the fastest manager in club history to register 10 Premier League home defeats, doing so in only 20 matches. Historically, December has also been cruel to United—they’ve lost their last three Premier League games in the month without scoring a single goal. Nuno Espírito Santo gave West Ham a brief spark with a three-game unbeaten run, but their momentum stalled with a home defeat to Liverpool. The Hammers will be desperate to climb out of the relegation zone quickly. History is on their side: They completed a historic double over United last season. They won 2–1 at the London Stadium in what became Ten Hag’s final match. They followed that up with a 2–0 victory at Old Trafford in May. Another win would give them back-to-back Old Trafford league victories for the first time since 1934. So once again, United fans are faced with the same weekly dilemma: Will Manchester United finally produce 90 minutes of concentration, composure, and courage? Or will they crumble, invite pressure, and rely on yet another desperate comeback? One positive sign: United are unbeaten in their last 17 midweek Premier League home games (W14, D3), including eight straight victories. Drop your score predictions below! Manchester United record against Crystal Palace: Games won: 74 Games drawn: 32 Games lost: 50 Team News: (As of today, 03/12/2025,) Manchester United: Benjamin Sesko and Harry Maguire are out for this game. There may be two others that the manager refused to mention in his press conference. West Ham: Summerville and Paqueta are out for this game. Prediction: United desperately need these three points to enter the top six, especially after their embarrassing loss to 10-man Everton at Old Trafford. With momentum from the Palace win, I expect a tough but crucial victory. Manchester United 3-1 West Ham United.
