Leeds vs Manchester United Picks and Predictions: Back Rashford to Cash In

Just a few days after facing off at Old Trafford, Leeds and Manchester United will square off once again when they meet at Elland Road on Sunday.

The two sides shared the spoils mid-week after Manchester United rallied from a 2-0 deficit to remain unbeaten at home in 16 straight, while Leeds blew the chance to get their first Premier League win since October.

The rematch will see a Manchester United side missing Casemiro once again, and their record with him versus without him is starkly different. Leeds will hope they are able to capitalize on that fact, but a growing injury list could make things trickier for them.

Will the Leeds faithful finally see their side get three points, or will Marcus Rashford and company lead Man United to victory and keep them in a Champions League spot?

Find out in our Leeds vs Manchester United picks and predictions for Sunday, February 12. 

Leeds vs Manchester United best odds

Leeds vs Manchester United picks and predictions

Leeds nearly pulled off a shock upset in the first matchup of the week. They took the lead just 55 seconds into proceedings on Wednesday evening, as Weston McKennie's pressure was able to force Bruno Fernandes into a turnover in his own half. Wilfried Gnonto then hit a screamer from outside the box that got past David De Gea low at his near post to stun the Old Trafford crowd.

The second half saw a Raphael Varane deflection put the ball into his own goal as Leeds led by two just three minutes after the break, but Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho scored eight minutes apart and the Red Devils were able to fight back and salvage a point. They will feel a bit unfortunate, as they were held a 2.04 to 0.63 edge in xG.

Despite being at his best on the left, Rashford pushed into the middle after the departure of Wout Weghorst and the introduction of Sancho. Three minutes later the move paid off, as Diogo Dalot found him with a beautiful cross that he buried from 10 yards out from a leaping header.

There might not be a more in-form player in all of Europe than Rashford. He's found the back of the net in nine of his 11 starts in all competitions since the World Cup, and in his 14 appearances since the return from international duty, Rashford has scored 12 goals and assisted on four others. Nearly everything Man United are doing in attack during their outstanding run has involved him and Bruno Fernandes.

With Weghorst yet to open his Premier League account after four starts, and Anthony Martial still fighting back from yet another injury, there are thoughts that Rashford may lead the line on Sunday.

Regardless of where he starts, Rashford is a threat to score anytime.

And that's why he's your best bet to find profit on Sunday. Most books have him priced around the +120 to +130 range, but FanDuel is being generous with a +155 price that I've already jumped on. You should do so as well against a porous defense for Leeds that has allowed Manchester United to score 17 goals in their five previous Premier League meetings.

My best bet: Marcus Rashford to score (+155 at FanDuel)

Leeds vs Manchester United side analysis

Since their last Premier League win in October, Leeds have claimed just four points of a possible 24. Their last two outings at Elland Road have been a scoreless draw with Brentford and a 2-2 draw with West Ham. On Sunday, they'll be without numerous starters — including Stuart Dallas and Liam Cooper.

Manchester United haven’t had as much success away from Old Trafford in the league this season and lost 3-2 at Arsenal in their last road fixture. However, they’ve won five of their 11 away matches and have taken 17 of a possible 33 points. Man U has won only half of the matches that Casemiro didn't participate in, and he will be suspended again for this outing. Christian Eriksen and Antony are also expected to not play in this meeting.

Manchester United have won three of the five meetings since Leeds returned to the Premier League in 2020 while playing to a draw in the other two. The Red Devils have also lost just once in the last 18 meetings between the two sides. That’s a key reason why Man United are favored to win this match, with a draw and a Leeds victory both paying out around +280. 

Leeds vs Manchester United Over/Under analysis

Leeds have kept just one clean sheet in their last six home matches, as their 0-0 draw against Brentford last time at Elland Road ended a four-game run of four-plus goals being scored. The last five contests at home for Leeds have featured a combined 20 goals, as Fulham, Bournemouth, and Manchester City each found the back of the net at least three times.

Manchester United have been shut out just once away from Old Trafford in league play, with a 4-0 defeat in their first away fixture. They’ve managed multiple goals just four times though in 11 on the road, including two in their defeat at Arsenal two weeks ago.

Just like on Wednesday, the Over is quite juiced when looking at the typical 2.5 line. If you’re wanting to avoid that, playing the Asian total of 3.0 is likely the way to go. This fixture a year ago resulted in six goals being scored, and four or more have been scored in each of their last three meetings. 

Leeds vs Manchester United game info

Leeds vs Manchester United key injuries

Leeds: Stuart Dallas M (Out), Rodrigo F (Out), Archie Gray F (Out), Liam Cooper M (Out).
Manchester United: Christian Eriksen M (Out), Antony F (Doubtful), Scott McTominay M (Out), Casemiro M (Out). 

Leeds vs Manchester United recent form

Teams	Last five matches
Leeds	L-W-W-L-L
Manchester United	W-L-W-D-W

Leeds vs Manchester United weather

Leeds have defeated Manchester United just once in their last 18 meetings. 

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