Leeds United

Ella Gibbs
BBC Sport journalist

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against at Sunderland at Stadium of Light (kick-off 16:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Farke confirmed Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who suffered an injury during the Manchester United game, is "struggling with a bruise on his foot", adding: "Still a question mark behind his availability. He's an important player, it's not a muscle injury where you have to be extra careful. It's just a painful injury and if he can handle the pain more or less then everything will be okay."

• The Whites boss also confirmed Joe Rodon is still "doing his rehab work", while Anton Stach also has a foot problem and is a doubt, alongside Noah Okafor: "If the game would be today, all three wouldn't be available. They've missed many training sessions during this week. Good positive news is we still have today and we will try to make them available."

• On forward Dan James' fitness, Farke said he had his first full training game and is in contention for selection against Sunderland.

• The Leeds head coach feels the players had "not exceeded expectations because I always expect a clean sheet - I wanted seven clean sheets on the board, it was not to be".

• On Lukas Nmecha's record: "For a back up striker, I think Lukas Nmecha has scored seven goals. Bayern Munich would be happy if a back up for Harry Kane scored seven goals. I think it's a really good record.

• He added: "Lukas is similar in strength to Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Physicality and work load is quite good. He is capable to score goals sometimes out of nothing. I trust them both. I can trust Lukas if he comes in or starts. I totally back my strikers to do the job."

• Discussing summer signing Harry Wilson, who has featured mostly from the bench so far this season, Farke said the winger is "taking the right steps", adding: "[He is] top class, top teammate. He came with an attitude of 'I want to adapt, I want to work'. I'm convinced in the end it will be right because he has taken the right steps. In the end you will always get out of football what you put in."

• On facing bottom-of-the-table Sunderland: "I know exactly what to expect. I'm pretty sure they won't finish in the position in which they currently are. I expect them to play to their DNA and their plan. We expect also a Sunderland side who will be highly motivated and back to their best. But we want to make sure that we will be successful ourselves."

Hit play above to hear more from Farke or listen on BBC Sounds here

Listen to live commentary of Sunderland v Leeds United on Sunday on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds from 16:30 GMT on Sunday

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

A new episode of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast is now available on BBC Sounds.

Leeds United are back on the road with a trip to Sunderland on Sunday (16:30 GMT). Jonny Buchan and Adam Pope preview the game and ask if the Whites can punish the struggling Black Cats.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

And you can listen to full match commentary of Sunderland v Leeds with Pope and former United defender Jon Newsome on Sunday on BBC Radio Leeds and BBC Sounds if you're in the UK.

Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds defender Gabriel Gudmundsson says the team are feeling "confident" and "physically strong" after their impressive start to the season.

The Whites sit seventh after seven games and have lost just once in the Premier League so far. The 27-year-old left-back missed the first two matches of the campaign with a hamstring injury but believes he is back to his best.

"I'm feeling good," he told BBC Radio Leeds.

"I got some games in the international break as well which was important for me. I'm happy to be back, and now I've been playing for some time already which feels good. Not just me, the team has been doing some good performances really so it is just building on that.

"Expectations from last season going into this season were higher. People outside are now expecting us to get points from every game. We know it is very tough in this league but we feel good, are confident at the moment, and are physically strong.

"It's keeping building on what we did last season. We had some good lads come in over the summer to help us and it is about building step-by-step. We are in a good path. We had two tough games lately, but also that we feel a little bit disappointed to not win against these top teams shows the ambition we have."

Leeds travel to bottom club Sunderland on Sunday, looking to improve on their results from this fixture last term. Despite Daniel Farke's side impressing by staying up and finishing 14th, they drew away 1-1 and lost 1-0 at home against the Black Cats - who outshone their fellow promoted side by finishing seventh and securing European football.

"Sunderland away is always difficult and we know that we have to be strong," Gudmundsson added.

"It's going to be a challenge, but also we definitely want to have revenge from last time we were there.

"We were the better team and should have won that game, so you really want to go there and get something out of it this weekend. That will be massive for us going into Bournemouth the weekend after which is another really tough away game."

Listen to the full chat by pressing play below or on BBC Sounds here

Leeds United's start to the season has been "exceptional", says BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope.

On the latest Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, Pope and Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix reflected on Leeds position - seventh - in the Premier League table.

Pope said: "If you had told me looking at the fixtures that there would be only one defeat in the first seven then I'd take that, I really would. It's an excellent return.

"They have been right in every game - they were in most games last year - but to have one defeat in the Premier League so far with not the biggest squad is exceptional."

Rix added: "We just look very well-equipped this season for the Premier League. I think loads and loads of injuries would upset things, but we go into every game thinking we can win."

Watch a clip from the latest episode above or listen to it in full on BBC Sounds here

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Radio Leeds discussed reports of manager Daniel Farke agreeing a new deal with on the latest episode of their Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast.

The Athletic has reported, external that the German has reached an agreement with the club that will extend his agreement until 2029.

Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix said: "Farke had a great first season in the Premier League but it wasn't necessarily going to go how it's gone and actually, we can all sit back now and be like it wasn't a fluke.

"Obviously the first bit of the last season wasn't brilliant, it was the second half where he really shone and he's continued that form. The signings we've made in the summer have continued to improve the team so we're sure we're not going to need to change managers in December, so let's get this deal done before it runs out.

"Daniel won't be in a rush, he's a sensible guy. For me, he backs himself so maybe coming off the back of a 14th place Premier League finish and semi-final of FA Cup, he could lay down some pretty decent demands wages-wise.

"But then I think now he's seventh in the Premier League, still in the FA Cup, then maybe his demands can be even higher."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

A new episode of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast is available to listen to and download now on BBC Sounds.

Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Simon Rix reflect on Leeds United's draw with Manchester United on Sunday and analyse some individual performances, and they also discuss news of a possible new deal on the horizon for manager Daniel Farke.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Leeds United and Manchester United.

Here are some of your comments:

Leeds fans

Ian: Not at our best today, quality in the final third is lacking, but we will finish comfortably in mid-table this season, which is the aim. While I am disappointed that we didn't get a home win, I'll take a point against a dangerous team.

Stuart: Controlled most of the game and could have had a penalty. Of course, Man Utd produced their best performance of the season, playing Leeds at the home of football. It's their cup final.

Graham: Compared to how they played against Arsenal last week, this was a poor performance pretty much all round. Passing at times was abysmal, tackling weak, and too much time spent going backwards. Defence was sound, the midfield uncreative and the forwards lacking precision. Improvements are needed for the next game.

Man Utd fans

Adnan: Slightly better in terms of organisation and balance. Still not potent enough in attacking areas to create chances and take control of games, which in turn creates more pressure on a susceptible defence.

Bob: It's a measure of where we are as a club that a draw against Leeds is seen as some sort of progress. Carrick is doing the best he can with a very mediocre and threadbare squad. The press need to look where the fans are looking, and it's not at the manager.

Kevin: Man Utd will get ripped sideways in Champions League games. They will deliver mid-table this season. At best, lack of European football next season will determine whether Carrick has a future or not. I agree with Lisandro Martinez, problems lie much deeper and much greater. When will these be addressed?

Yousef: Manchester United's flatlining display against Leeds United further highlights a team devoid of rhythm and identity under Michael Carrick. The decision to tuck Amad Diallo into a restrictive, defensive role completely starved the frontline of creativity, while Bruno Fernandes' ongoing struggle to control matches is becoming a serious tactical issue. Three consecutive Premier League draws and just one win in seven games prove that individual moments from players like Bryan Mbeumo cannot mask a disjointed, fragile system that completely fades under pressure.

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "It says a lot about what we've done in the last few years that we're disappointed. We were the dominant side today.

"But United are very dangerous, and it was not necessary to be losing at half-time, but they have the quality to score goals in one moment. Second half, good start and we scored the goal. Strikes were too often over the bar or too far away, which kept us from capitalising more. A good point and we move on.

"Overall, we delivered a good performance. You always have to be switched on to not concede a counter. It's fair to say we don't have the best individual quality in the league, and you have to accept that sometimes, but also, overall, we brought ourselves into many good situations. Missing a bit of quality to the top teams in this league.

"The first half I thought we were the better side, and we didn't have much to speak about at half-time.

"Difficult to compare, but sometimes you have to take a risk."

On Dominic Calvert-Lewin: "No one else wanted him, but we always believed in him and believed he would deliver. He plays with good confidence and rhythm. He always comes to training with a smile on his face, and it's a great group to work with. I think he enjoys it. He has belief right now, and you can see that with what he's doing on the pitch."

Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, speaking to Sky Sports about what was said at half-time: "More so, just be more confident in possession and choices when to cross and when to keep the ball. I think it [the change] was down to that.

"They tried to [match us formation-wise]. Not really surprised. Given what happened last season. It took us a little bit to adjust, but it was mainly down to us and maybe a lack of quality in the final third.

"I just tried to cause a ruckus. I just make it difficult for the defender. I read the flight of the ball and was quickest to react.

"I feel really comfortable. I feel the support from the club and the fans, and it is a great feeling stepping onto the pitch, particularly at Elland Road."

Did you know?

• Leeds United are now unbeaten in their last three Premier League matches against Manchester United (W1 D2), their joint-longest unbeaten run against the Red Devils in the competition along with a run of three between September 1994 and December 1995.

• Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored 12 goals at Elland Road in the Premier League for Leeds United, with only Erling Haaland (19) and Igor Thiago (14) scoring more home goals in the competition since his first home match for the club.

Listen to more from Farke on BBC Sounds, or listen to Noah Okafor below or on BBC Sounds

Harry Poole
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

For the first time since September 2002, Leeds sat ahead of Manchester United in the table heading into a Premier League meeting of the teams.

While their impressive five-game unbeaten start was ended by Arsenal last weekend, the nature of the performance ensured the hosts' confidence remained high before one of the club's most eagerly anticipated matches of the season.

That was reflected in their superior possession and territory as they attempted to take the game to Manchester United, although they struggled to create clear-cut chances until Tarik Muharemovic and Dominic Calvert-Lewin combined to level the contest.

The goal was the combative Calvert-Lewin's seventh in his latest seven matches at Elland Road - and his fourth goal in seven league games this term.

Daniel Farke's side ultimately could not find a winning goal to deliver a first victory over Manchester United at Elland Road since 2002 for their fans.

But the foundations for a season of significant progress are in place, and they extended their unbeaten home league run to eight games - their longest such stretch since December 2001.

Leeds United starting XI:

James Trafford: Brave enough to race 30 yards out of his box to clear when failure to execute would have been disastrous. Leeds defenders know they can give him the ball under pressure. 7

James Justin: Swung over a couple of early crosses to test the visitors' defence but caught on his heels by Mbeumo for Man Utd goal. 6

Nico Elvedi: Near-post header almost put Leeds in front. 7

Tarik Muharemovic: Calm in possession but visitors' set-up left him with no-one to mark at times. Major threat at the other end though, with header setting up Calvert-Lewin equaliser. 7

Jayden Bogle: An attacking threat from wing-back as Leeds pushed forward and had shot saved by Lammens. 7

Ethan Ampadu: Lucky to get away with no card for a late tackle on Mbeumo at start. Usual assured display. 6

Ao Tanaka (off 79, Longstaff): Maybe a little too cautious at times. Got into the game as Leeds pressed after leveller. Long-range effort over. 6

Gabriel Gudmundsson: Caught Andrey Santos from behind and was booked. Did really well to force Amad back when the Ivorian wanted to run free on goal. 7

Anton Stach: Wasn't able to control midfield duels in opening period but second half was better. 6

Noah Okofor (off 72, Nmecha): No chance to repeat Old Trafford heroics. Lashed a second-half shot over and poor pass when he might have released Calvert-Lewin. 6

Dominic Calvert-Lewin: Grew into the game after subdued start. One first-half header wide, another straight at Lammens in second. Strong enough to control and apply finish to level. 8

Leeds substitutes:

Lukas Nmecha (on 72, Okafor): Worked hard to try and create. 5

Sean Longstaff (on 79, Tanaka): 6

Subs not used: Zetterer, Wilson, Aaronson, Bijol, Bahoya, Bard, Gruev.

Read the full article and see how you rated the players

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Leeds' performance

What did you make of Manchester United's display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.

There are five games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Bournemouth v Sunderland

• Brighton v Crystal Palace - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Leeds United v Manchester United - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Nottingham Forest v Arsenal (16:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 14:00 BST unless stated.

Follow all of the action and reaction here

How to follow the Premier League weekend across the BBC

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Nottingham Forest v Arsenal" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Brighton match", for example.

New this season: Live match updates

Fans of Premier League clubs can now get real-time scores live on their phone lock screen for every game.

Simply follow your favourite football teams on the BBC Sport app for updates throughout the 2026-27 season.

Find out more here

Image source, BBC Sport

New this season: Match of the Day Predictor

Simply predict the outcome of the six fixtures we've selected from across domestic and European competitions every week.

Players can join at any time, get involved with the latest round and start building a streak.

Read more about it here

You can find the predictor in the navigation bar at the top of this page, or on this link

I found Lisandro Martinez's outburst about Manchester United's recruitment very strange, especially after his mistake that cost his side victory over Tottenham.

You'd think Martinez would keep his head down after making a mess of the cross that let Dominic Solanke equalise - If I am United's director of football Jason Wilcox then, in January, I am buying a big left-sided centre-half who can deal with crosses to take his place.

While some Manchester United fans might agree with what Martinez said, there is a time and a place to do it and it felt like a really poor error of judgement.

It just shows what kind of state Manchester United are in at the moment, though. Don't forget that Spurs played them off the park early on in that game.

Maybe they will up their game and find a way to win this time because they are getting desperate - but I don't see it.

I think Leeds United will beat them, and beat them convincingly.

So far this season I have backed Manchester United most weeks but I have had enough of that. I must have lost my head to stick with them so long - not any more.

Sutton's prediction: 5-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Matt Jones
BBC Sport journalist

Leeds United will be looking to pile the misery on Manchester United on Sunday when the two rivals meet in the Premier League at Elland Road (14:00 BST).

Leeds failed to hold on after taking the lead at Arsenal last weekend, although head coach Daniel Farke will surely have been pleased with aspects of the performance overall.

As for Manchester United, spirits are low after their 1-1 home draw against 10-man Tottenham and a midweek 2-0 loss at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. Lisandro Martinez's pointed words about the club's recruitment in the summer have done little to calm the mood ahead of what will be a fiery contest.

Early Elland Road issues

Farke will be content with the significant improvement in his team's overall play this season. One thing Leeds still definitely need to crack is early kick-offs.

Remarkably, they have gone 20 Premier League games without a win - drawing seven and losing 13 - in matches that have kicked off before 15:00. That is the longest run by a team in the history of the competition.

Typically, the earlier games come with tepid atmospheres, although there is no danger of Sunday's fixture being a low-key one for the crowd.

On home soil, Farke's side have been tough to beat, too, with four wins and three draws in their past seven games at Elland Road.

The visitors are likely to have to prepare themselves for an aerial bombardment. Leeds have won the most aerial duels in the Premier League this season, while only four sides have won fewer than the Red Devils.

Carrick facing Man Utd conundrum

Manchester United could do without a visit to what will be a white-hot Elland Road. Their six points after six games is their lowest tally in the top flight since the 1986-87 season, when they had four points.

The Red Devils have been accused of a lack of physicality in their opening games. That has been evident in the latter stages of matches, with Michael Carrick's side conceding a league-high four goals in the last 10 minutes of matches.

Midfield has been a particular area of concern. While Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans rank highly in terms of possession won in the middle third - they are first and joint-seventh respectively among Premier League players this season - there are clearly structural issues that have not been resolved.

In terms of the percentage of high-intensity pressures and counter-pressures in the middle third, Manchester United rank 17th and 18th respectively. The Red Devils have also spent a higher proportion of their time off the ball in a high block than any other team in the Premier League, potentially leaving too much space for their midfielders to cover.

At the sharp end of the pitch, there is a sense that the forwards should have done more with the opportunities they have had, too.

Going into the weekend fixtures, Manchester United have had the most shots (125) and the most touches in the opposition box (205) of any team. However, they are currently joint-last in terms of xG per shot, which sits at a lowly 0.08, and their conversion rate of 6.45% is better than that of only two teams.

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has parted company with his agent as talks over a new deal with the club continue.

The Athletic, external has reported that the German manager has reached an agreement in principle to extend his contract until 2029.

Chairman Paraag Marathe said recently that Leeds fans can "look forward to many more games with him".

In reply to Marathe's comments, Farke said: "It's a joy to work with him and the club."

The latest episode of the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast has landed.

BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan and Adam Pope are joined by Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix to look ahead to "the game everybody looks for first when the fixtures come out".

Daniel Farke's side have the chance to rewrite 55 years of history this weekend, if they can secure back-to-back wins against Manchester United.

Will they get the job done against Michael Carrick's men at Elland Road? The trio discuss exactly that in their preview of the match.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

Jonty Colman
BBC Sport journalist

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Manchester United at Elland Road (kick-off 14:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On Daniel James, who has missed his past two matches for club and country with a back injury, Farke said: "Since yesterday, he's back on the pitch with us. Right now, we have to wait to see how his body reacts but at least good news with him that he's back in training and he seems to be improving. There's a chance he's involved, yes."

• On defender Joe Rodon and his recovery from a hamstring injury that has kept him out for almost two months, Farke said: "Progression, yes. Joe will still miss this game. We spoke at the beginning of this injury and it would last eight to 10 weeks. I think we're at week seven, so he's edging closer. He's doing good progress - it won't be too long until he's back in team training, but not yet."

• Farke added that Rodon has been desperate to return, suggesting he had been "close to depression" following a string of injuries. Farke also said the Wales international would play with "one leg" if he could.

• On Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick, Farke said he has done "excellently" as a head coach and an ex-player. Farke said he does "not like" and "not understand" the criticism he has faced. The German also jokingly described himself as "half-British" and said that young British coaches, including Carrick, do not deserve the criticism they get.

• On the suggestion Leeds were favourites for the match, Farke downplayed that and said that Manchester United's quality of squad will make them tough opponents.

• Farke also referenced singer Elvis Pressley when asked about the prospect of recording a first Elland Road win over Manchester United in the Premier League for 24 years: "Actions first was always my mantra instead of speaking too much beforehand. Like the king says, a little less conversation, a little more action."

• Farke praised clubs such as Brentford and Brighton for their impressive start to this season, but expects the Premier League table to look different in the final weeks of the campaign: "It's still early days, only six games. After 36, it's a bit more important. I'm sure the table will look different in this instance. But it's no coincidence clubs in this position have done really good work. Brentford have done really well and we've looked to do things right. There's a lot to admire in teams like Brentford and Brighton - we are a different team with different history and different potential. We're not too far away from the glory days, but let's focus on the here and now."

Listen to live commentary of Leeds v Man Utd BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds on Sunday

Find more from Farke by pressing play above on on BBC Sounds here

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news here

Across the Pennines, Manchester United are experiencing yet another uncomfortable period as they continue to lack form.

Leeds United, who had been unbeaten in the early part of the Premier League season before defeat by Arsenal last time out, will be hoping to bounce back against a Manchester United side struggling to pick up wins when they host the Red Devils on Sunday (14:00 BST).

Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, former Whites centre-back Lucas Radebe reminisced of his playing career in the fixture: "This is the one weekend I would have loved to wear that jersey and be in that dressing room.

"The build-up to that game was absolutely unbelievable.

"For many years, we have not had many great results against them. This is a big one, it is a massive one. They don't come bigger than this one."

Although Leeds boss Daniel Farke held Manchester United to a draw on their last visit to Elland Road and beat them at Old Trafford last season, the west Yorkshire club have not taken three points off their rivals at home since 2002.

The retired South Africa international featured from the bench, and a goal from Harry Kewell was the difference between the sides on that day.

"We are the favourites going into this weekend," added Radebe.

"That fierce rivalry, it is a special game because each and every player wants to play this game."

Leeds are unbeaten in their past seven Premier League home games (W4 D3), last having a longer unbeaten run at Elland Road between January and December 2001 (15 games).

"I think every game for us is important, but this one, you psych yourself," Radebe explained.

"The game itself is an incentive. The preparation and the feeling when you're preparing for a game like this, it increases that passion. It is more than a derby."

Listen to the full chat by pressing play above or on BBC Sounds here

Leeds United striker Lukas Nmecha, who is out of contract at Elland Road in the summer, is yet to agree a new deal because he wants more playing time. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

After joining in the summer from Borussia Monchengladbach for £8.5m, Nico Elvedi has settled straight into the Leeds starting XI, proving to be a smart buy.

The Switzerland international has featured in every Premier League game this season, helping the Whites to seventh place with nine points.

Speaking about his transition to English football, the 30-year-old told BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope: "The international games that I had with Switzerland, or in the Champions League or Europa League, have helped me a lot.

"I have played against big players and big teams and I think that's why I can play in the Premier League as well.

Elvedi spent 11 years with German side Monchengladbach, making 364 appearances, and has 77 caps for his country.

The centre-back said he does not need "extra motivation" to face Manchester United on Sunday, adding that his experience of facing Monchengladbach's rivals Cologne will have similarities to the Premier League fixture.

"It was also a very big rivalry. For the fans it was the most important game of the year and everyone wanted to win that. I think it's similar to this game at the weekend."

Listen to more from Elvedi above or on BBC Sounds here