Leeds United will have little time to wallow after their narrow defeat to Arsenal, with a far more personal challenge awaiting them at Elland Road next weekend. Manchester United are coming to town, and few fixtures mean more to the supporters than this one.
Daniel Farke’s side will take some encouragement from their performance at the Emirates, even if they ultimately came away empty-handed. Leeds competed well against one of the Premier League’s strongest teams, but they will need to be sharper in both boxes to get something from the next game.
Manchester United, meanwhile, arrive with their own problems after dropping more points against Tottenham. Their poor start gives Leeds reason to believe, but Farke’s players can’t win on reputation or the opposition’s shortcomings alone.
For Leeds, the task is simple: learn from Arsenal, make home advantage count and give their supporters a Sunday to remember.
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Gary Neville warns Man United ahead of Leeds showdown
The former Manchester United star conceded that he is worried about the Red Devils ahead of their next run of games, especially after a disastrous start to the season.
Michael Carrick’s side will travel to Spain to take on Atletico Madrid in the Champions League before visiting Elland Road to take on Leeds on Sunday.
Neville insisted Manchester United need to get back to form soon, as the next two games will test them physically and mentally.
He said the players could get found out at Elland Road on Sunday if they aren’t at it.
“There’s going to have to be something done in there, and the rest of them are going to have to get a grip because they are going to Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid and Elland Road”, the former defender said on the Gary Neville Podcast.
“If you’re not quite right there from a mental and physical perspective, you’re going to get found out.”
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Leeds should beat this Man United side at home
Leeds United have every reason to fancy their chances against Manchester United next Sunday. Their rivals have looked short of confidence this season, and Saturday’s frustrating draw against Tottenham only added to the questions surrounding Michael Carrick’s side.
Daniel Farke’s men, meanwhile, showed against Arsenal that they can compete with quality opposition, even if they couldn’t take the three points. At Elland Road, with the crowd behind them, Leeds should be able to make life uncomfortable for United.
The key is to bring the same intensity without losing their discipline. Manchester United’s struggles offer an opportunity, but Leeds must earn the win. If they get the basics right, all three points are there for the taking.
