Leeds United have not finished above Manchester United in the league since they clinched the old First Division title in 1991/92, but that could all change this season, according to Ray Parlour.
After four games of the Premier League season, Leeds and their arch-rivals, Manchester United, are both locked on four points, with one win and a draw each.
Leeds last beat Man United in the Premier League in 2002, when a Harry Kewell goal settled a tight game; however, the odds have been stacked in the Red Devils’ favour in league games ever since.
However, after predicting that Leeds will stay in the top flight this season, the Opta Supercomputer now believes that Man United have a better chance of being relegated than winning the title this season.
According to Parlour, this premonition could come true as the Whites look to overhaul their old enemy for the first time in 34 years.
Daniel Farke watches Leeds United vs Fulham.
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Ray Parlour believes Manchester United could get relegated
Speaking on TalkSport breakfast on the morning of the 16th September, Parlour was asked whether he agreed with Opta’s assertion that Manchester United are more likely to be relegated than win the league this season.
According to the former Arsenal man, Ruben Amorim’s side are already out of touch in the title race, and the strong start by the promoted sides means they could be pulled into a relegation scrap.
Parlour said: “They’re too far behind now already. I mean, you look at the quality at the top of the table, to be in the top five, you’ve got Newcastle, Spurs, you’ve got Chelsea, Man City, Liverpool, Arsenal.
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“I think it’s going to be very difficult. So I can see where they are coming from. And plus, I think the teams who’ve been promoted this season, they’ve had a really good start. A lot of them.
“I mean, obviously, Burnley got their first win against Sunderland. Sunderland picked up points. Leeds were unlucky not to get another point over the weekend, a really bizarre own goal. So I certainly agree with that.”
Manchester City v Manchester United - Premier League
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When do Leeds play Manchester United in the Premier League?
Leeds could climb above Man United with a win over Wolves this weekend, as the Whites await their highly anticipated fixtures against the Red Devils.
However, fans still have a decent amount of time to wait before the two sides lock horns, as they meet on a portentous date at Elland Road.
Leeds vs Manchester United – 03/01/2026
Manchester United vs Leeds – 11/04/2026
Leeds will host Man United on the 3rd January 2026, which will mark 16 years to the day since Jermaine Beckford scored at Old Trafford to knock Sir Alex Ferguson’s side out of the FA Cup.
The return fixture will be played on the 11th April, by which time both teams will know whether they are likely to remain in the top flight or not.