Leeds United had a clear-out in the summer, as several players left to make space for seven new signings as part of a major squad overhaul.
The Whites wanted to move on several of those players but had to wait until the final hours of the transfer window to confirm a few departures.
However, one or two left Elland Road who Leeds wanted to keep, and they were even offered contracts to stay at the club for at least the next season.
One such player eventually made his debut for his new club months after joining them, but is now unlikely to play again until January after a terrible team performance.
Read More: Leeds take swipe at Manchester United after Karl Darlow transfer
Karl Darlow’s horrible Manchester United debut
Manchester United seemed to be cruising to a victory on Karl Darlow’s debut last night against Brighton after scoring twice in the opening ten minutes of their third-round EFL Cup clash.
However, the former Leeds star played a big role in opening the door for Brighton to come back late in the first half.
His indecision about whether to come out and collect a long ball let Brighton pull one goal back before the break.
What is Karl Darlow doing… pic.twitter.com/klZjfqZacW https://t.co/FVs3moSiqz
— UtdXclusive (@UtdXclusive) September 16, 2026
The Seagulls scored twice in the second half to complete a remarkable turnaround and win, knocking Manchester United out of the EFL Cup in the early rounds.
This is bad news for Darlow as he could now have to wait until the start of the FA Cup in January to play his next game for Manchester United.
Senne Lammens is the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper at Old Trafford, and Michael Carrick is unlikely to tinker with his goalkeepers in the Premier League and the Championship after a difficult start to the season.
Unless the Belgian sustains an injury or is suspended, the FA Cup is the next time we could see Darlow in a Manchester United shirt.
Leeds are not missing Darlow
Daniel Farke wanted to keep Darlow, and the club even offered him a new contract. However, the manager was not prepared to guarantee him the number 1 spot.
In hindsight, it was the right call, as Leeds were hell-bent on getting James Trafford, and that meant Darlow was always going to be the second-choice goalkeeper this season.
Darlow was solid between the sticks for Leeds last season, but he is nowhere near Trafford’s quality, who has added calm and assurance behind the Leeds defenders.
Leeds are not missing the veteran goalkeeper, who may not play another game for Manchester United until 2027.
