Karl Darlow burned his bridges with Leeds United this summer when he rejected an offer to stay at Elland Road in favour of a free transfer to Manchester United.
Leeds didn’t even mention Manchester United in the statement they released following Darlow’s departure, in which they confirmed that the goalkeeper was offered a new contract.
It emerged that Darlow wanted assurances about being the number one at Leeds, but Daniel Farke wasn’t prepared to offer those guarantees, and the club then lined up a deal for James Trafford.
Darlow had a nightmare debut for Manchester United on Wednesday night when Brighton knocked them out of the EFL Cup at Old Trafford.
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Karl Darlow gets slammed live on talkSPORT
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick rotated his squad against Brighton on Wednesday night, which saw Darlow get his debut for the club.
However, journalist Alex Crook feels the Manchester United boss was not in a position to take such risks following a poor start to the season and the defeat in the Manchester derby.
He stressed Karl Darlow looked like a goalkeeper who still deserved to be on the bench at Leeds, and Manchester United went with two inexperienced young defenders who were exposed by Brighton.
Crook said on talkSPORT: “I am not sure Man United were in a position to write off this cup tie and put a goalkeeper, who probably still should be on the Leeds bench, no disrespect to Karl Darlow.
“He has gone for two young central defenders, who got found out as well.”
James Trafford is a huge upgrade on Darlow
Daniel Farke was keen to keep Karl Darlow at Leeds, and the club even offered the veteran goalkeeper a new contract. However, the manager was unwilling to promise him the No.1 shirt, and that ultimately proved decisive.
With Leeds determined to bring James Trafford to Elland Road, Darlow was always likely to find himself behind the England international in the pecking order. In hindsight, the decision looks even more justified.
Darlow did a dependable job last season, but Trafford has taken the position to another level. His composure, authority and ability to command his area have brought a completely different sense of security to the Leeds defence. The difference is already noticeable, with Trafford looking every inch a Premier League No.1.
Leeds have moved on without missing Darlow, while the veteran could now face a lengthy wait for another Manchester United appearance, potentially until 2027.
