‘We want to make our supporters proud’

Relegation-threatened Leeds are facing an injury crisis ahead of Monday night’s trip to cross-Pennine rivals Manchester United.

Joe Rodon and Anton Stach sustained injuries during the FA Cup win at West Ham on Sunday and will be out for at least three weeks while Dan James is not available against his former club. Noah Okafor, Jake Bijol and Gabriel Gudmundsson are all major doubts for the game at Old Trafford.

It is not good timing for Leeds given they head into the weekend four points above the relegation zone and having won just two league games since Christmas.

On Stach and Rodon’s expected returns, Farke said: “It’s difficult to say – with a ligament injury, normally you’d say it’s not realistic that they were able to help us in April but of course the medical department are trying everything. It’s a crunch point of the season.

“At this moment, it’s realistic to say that we’ll see them back in May.”

Leeds have a dismal record at Man United

Leeds have not beaten their arch-rivals in a league game away from home in 45 years but Farke intends to take a front-foot approach to changing that dismal record.

He said: ”We need bravery. It won’t be possible if we just park the bus and try to defend in order to survive there. It’s important that you have many spells where you try to press them and dominate the ball and create chances, but of course we need a good balance. They have many threats on the offence and it’s important to control this.

“We need the ball as much as possible in order to give ourselves a chance.”

A win would be particularly sweet for the Leeds fans.

“We all know how much it means to everyone connected to Leeds United,” said Farke. “And of course we want to make our supporters proud.

“We have to fight for every goal to score and to avoid goals against us. To do this would be a major boost and of course help our situation in the table. We’re looking forward to having this game on Monday.”

Leeds boss Farke impressed by Carrick impact

A trip to United is a different proposition now than it was in 2025 with Michael Carrick working wonders having succeeded Ruben Amorim on an interim basis.

United have lost just once under the former England midfielder and sit third, well placed to secure a spot in next season’s Champions League.

“After a few weeks it’s a bit too early to judge, but Michael has played at the top level with world-class players and been able to win trophies and this experience helps,” said Farke.

“His team always plays with a lot of confidence and freedom and offensive movements and it’s difficult to control. I like his style a lot and it suits his team, full of top players. It’s no coincidence they’ve had so many good results, especially in their home games.”