This coming January represents an important time for Leeds.
It will give the 49ers a chance to bolster the squad for Daniel Farke – although sales do have to be made before any incomings occur. The winter window could prove to be vital in terms of securing Premier League survival.
The New Year will also now see Leeds have to do something unprecedented in the Premier League and it is far from ideal.
Fixture changes mean Leeds have to face Liverpool and Manchester United within four days
The Premier League have now announced some festive fixture changes after broadcasters selected which games they want to screen, and it makes the start of 2026 difficult for Farke.
Leeds now face Liverpool at Anfield on Thursday 1st January at 5:30pm after Sky Sports opted to broadcast the clash.
Leeds then have to play Manchester United at Elland Road the following Sunday (4th January) – and in the early 12:30pm slot to make matters worse. That game will now be shown on TNT Sports.
It gives Farke – who is not getting ahead of himself despite a strong start – very little time to prepare his side for the visit of Manchester United, to say the least.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Not since West Ham in 1973 – 53 years ago – have any side had to start a calendar year with league clashes against Liverpool and Manchester United, according to Opta’s Jonny Cooper.
Leeds United in 2026 will be the first side in 53 years to start a calendar year with league games against Liverpool and Manchester United, since West Ham in 1973.
A year later, Leeds won the league and Man Utd were relegated. #lufc pic.twitter.com/uxR3URX2xT
— Jonny Cooper (@JRCooper26) October 31, 2025
View Tweet
One year later in 1974 – however – Manchester United were relegated and Leeds won the First Division.
Fixture changes also spoil January 3rd omen for Leeds fans
Leeds – who Opta back to survive – were initially down to play Manchester United at Elland Road on Saturday 3rd January, a special date for those who hold the club close to their heart.
It was 3rd January 2010 which saw Leeds record a historic 1-0 win over Manchester United in the FA Cup third round at Old Trafford, despite there being 42 places between the two sides at that moment in time.
Leeds fans even have a chant centered around that victory, which goes: “January 3rd, remember the date, we beat the team that we f****** hate, we knocked the s*** out the FA cup, we’re super Leeds and we’re going up!”
That might have been a good omen and a lucky charm for Leeds had the fixture remained on Saturday 3rd January, although broadcasters and the Premier League have now ruined it.