Leeds United may have suffered a narrow defeat to Arsenal, but Daniel Farke’s side will have little time to dwell on it, with a huge clash against Manchester United coming up at Elland Road next weekend.
The Whites showed plenty of fight against Mikel Arteta’s side, with James Justin finding the net in a 2-1 defeat that ended their unbeaten start to the Premier League season. They will now look to bounce back in front of their own supporters against their bitter rivals.
However, events at Old Trafford have added a new dimension to the fixture. Manchester United are struggling for consistency, and another damaging result could put Michael Carrick’s future in serious doubt.
Leeds fans also won’t forget a recent piece of history. Ruben Amorim was sacked the day after Manchester United drew 1-1 with Leeds in January, raising the possibility that another meeting between the clubs could prove costly for a United manager.
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Michael Carrick struggles to get Man Utd firing
Carrick got the permanent job in May after guiding Manchester United to third last season, but his side have made a miserable start to the new campaign.
The Red Devils have collected just six points from their opening six league games, their worst start to a Premier League season since 1986-87. Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Tottenham was particularly frustrating, as they failed to hold on despite Spurs being reduced to ten men after Rodrigo Bentancur was dismissed.
Dominic Solanke’s stoppage-time equaliser ensured another two points slipped away, extending a run of disappointing results that has put Carrick under scrutiny.
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Leeds United could add to Carrick’s problems
Manchester United face Atletico Madrid in Europe before travelling to Elland Road, leaving Carrick with little time to address the issues affecting his team.
For Leeds, the opportunity is clear. Farke’s side will be determined to respond to the Arsenal defeat by taking points off their fiercest rivals, and the atmosphere at Elland Road should make for an intense occasion.
Amorim’s departure after January’s draw has already given Leeds fans a memorable connection to United’s managerial turmoil. A defeat next weekend wouldn’t automatically end Carrick’s tenure, but it could intensify the debate over whether he is the right man to lead the club forward.
Leeds have a chance to make life considerably more uncomfortable for their rivals, and perhaps leave another Manchester United manager looking over his shoulder.
