Leeds United have every reason to be frustrated by their 2-1 defeat at Arsenal on Saturday, but their next week’s opponents had a worse day at home.
Manchester United are under pressure after their worst league start in 40 years, following a 1-1 draw with Tottenham at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Michael Carrick’s side conceded to a 10-man Spurs side in stoppage time, and questions linger about the manager’s future ahead of their trip to Elland Road next weekend.
Daniel Farke and his team will relish facing a Manchester United side struggling for form and confidence at home, and Gary Neville is genuinely worried for the Red Devils.
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Gary Neville fears for Manchester United ahead of Elland Road trip
The former Manchester United and England defender is wary of his former team’s form ahead of a tough run of games in both the league and Europe.
He believes Manchester United’s start to the season is now a major concern ahead of a period when they’ll play every three days.
Neville stressed that Tuesday’s Champions League game and the trip to Leeds on Sunday will require resilience, personality, and character that Manchester United players have failed to show this season.
“It’s a real concern going into the winter slog”, he said on the Gary Neville Podcast.
“You are going into the winter slog where you are playing a game every three days.
“The Champions League is going to hit you hard; you have got tough matches, and you are going to Elland Road next Sunday.
“These games are going to need real personality and character and a group of players who are resilient.
“At the moment, you do worry about them going into that run of matches, thinking – how are they going to tackle and come out of it?”
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The Whites must avoid getting carried away
Leeds have every reason to fancy their chances against Manchester United next Sunday, but Daniel Farke must ensure his players do not get carried away by their rivals’ struggles.
The Red Devils have been dropping points, struggling for consistency and looking short of confidence. That might be encouraging to read, but none of it will matter once the two sides walk out at Elland Road. Leeds cannot afford to assume their opponents will simply roll over.
The defeat to Arsenal was disappointing, but Leeds showed positives in how they competed against one of the country’s strongest sides. They need to carry that intensity into next weekend, be brave on the ball and make the most of their home advantage.
This fixture means far more than three points to supporters, and the players will know exactly what a win would mean. But sentiment and Manchester United’s current predicament cannot be the game plan.
Leeds must focus on their own performance, impose themselves early and make Elland Road count. The rest will take care of itself.
