Leeds United fought back to earn a point against Manchester United at Elland Road on Sunday, but Daniel Farke will know some individual performances left plenty to be desired.
The 1-1 draw showed Leeds can compete with their bitter rivals, but defensive lapses and a lack of quality in the final third threatened to undermine their efforts. Farke will want his players to learn from those mistakes, particularly with another important Premier League fixture approaching.
One Leeds starter, in particular, struggled to make the right impression. While his performance offered positives going forward, a costly defensive lapse proved difficult to overlook.
Read More: Micah Richards slams Leeds United player for what he did vs Man Utd
James Justin’s Man United performance raises questions
The Yorkshire Evening Post gave James Justin a 5/10 rating after the draw, singling out his defending in Manchester United’s opener for criticism.
Bryan Mbeumo found the net in the 35th minute after getting away from Justin to meet Youri Tielemans’ cross. The Leeds defender showed promise in his early link-up play down the right with Jayden Bogle, but his goal-scoring role overshadowed it.
The Yorkshire Evening Post also noted that Justin’s crossing was below par. For a player expected to contribute at both ends of the pitch, that made for a frustrating afternoon.
Of course, one mistake shouldn’t define an entire performance, especially in a fiercely contested game against a dangerous opponent. But Justin’s display left Farke with enough questions to consider whether a change is needed.
Read More: Gary Neville says Leeds United man escaped red card vs Man Utd
Farke must consider dropping Justin
Leeds cannot afford to let individual errors become a recurring problem. The margins in the Premier League are tight, and letting a forward escape his marker in a dangerous area can be the difference between taking a point and leaving empty-handed.
Justin did offer something going forward, but Farke will expect greater concentration when his side are defending. The Manchester United goal reminded Leeds they need to stay switched on for the full 90 minutes, especially against opponents who can punish even a brief lapse.
The manager now faces a decision ahead of the next fixture. Sticking with Justin would give the defender a chance to respond, but dropping him could send a clear message that starting XI places must be earned.
Leeds have shown enough in recent performances to suggest they can compete in this division. To keep progressing, however, they need greater consistency from every player. After Sunday’s display, Farke has good reason to consider whether Justin should retain his place.
He was the hero last week – how times have changed. Or is this just poor journalism?
I don’t think we can criticise Justin for 1 bad game cmon MOT
Don’t talk Bollocks!
Sensationalist headline. Worse article. Wise up Kris!
I take it you’ve now joined the bunch of pathetic children at football fancast. Any way to get a cringeworthy fake headline is good with them too. Please go and join them – they’ll love you. Your name here is now KORNY
KRIS – THE CLICKBAIT KING.
Tbf I did think Bard might get some game time as good as Justin as been, how many crosses were over hit to Yoro and not our boys in the middle were DCL is boss. Justin put some miles in yesterday but does need a rest,he covers most of the pitch every game and does get caught wanting out of position.