The 17 players to transfer between Leeds United and Manchester United as Karl Darlow to end 22-year wait

Some of the best to play for Leeds United or Manchester United came directly from their fierce rivals.

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow looks set to end a 22-year wait by swapping Elland Road for Old Trafford this summer. The 35-year-old, whose Whites contract expired at the end of last month, is reportedly on the verge of joining fierce rivals Manchester United as a free agent.

Darlow had an extension offer on the table with Leeds but has seemingly opted for a fresh challenge, becoming just the seventh player in history to move across the Pennines from West Yorkshire. The last player to do so was Alan Smith, his £7million move hugely controversial given he was a boyhood Whites fan.

The most recent switch came the other way when Daniel James swapped Manchester for Leeds in a £25m deal, and while direct transfers are rare both clubs have plucked some top players from one another. Below, the YEP looks at all 17 players to make the move.

Celebrating 135 years of telling Leeds' stories
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice