Daniel Farke disappointed Leeds United have to settle for point against Manchester United

Daniel Farke said Leeds United were “disappointed” not to record a second consecutive victory over Manchester United.

That is something his club has not achieved in 54 years, but despite having to come from behind to claim a point, the Leeds manager felt there was more for the taking against opponents who have not won in the Premier League since August.

Bryan Mbuemo capitalised on some slack defending to put the Red Devils in front but on the back of that, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin's 51st-minute equaliser, the Whites were the stronger team until the game became an even contest for the final half-hour.

“We are even a bit disappointed that we didn't win it but it says a lot about what we've done over the last years,” commented Farke.

DISAPPOINTED: Leeds United manager Daniel Farke (Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)placeholder image
DISAPPOINTED: Leeds United manager Daniel Farke (Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)

“I think we were the better side, the dominant side.

“It was not necessary to be in a losing position at half-time because even in the first half we were very dominant.

“But it's still Man United and if you're for one moment not switched on to defend and to track the run, Mbuemo can hurt you.

“We lacked a little bit in our decision-making in the first half. We could have done a bit better playing in and around the box with a bit more clarity.

PHYSICALITY: Lukas Nmecha (left) (Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)placeholder image
PHYSICALITY: Lukas Nmecha (left) (Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)

“I think this is what we added in the second half, especially at the beginning when we pushed for the equaliser. We fully deserved an equaliser and had the momentum completely on our side.

“The problem was there were too many strikes over the crossbar and too many crosses were a bit too long.

“This situation killed our momentum a bit. Otherwise we would have capitalised even more and won this game.

“This lack of a bit of quality in the crossing and the finishing was the only thing I can criticise because you have to be aware it's still Man United and the quality they have and can bring on. On the counter-attack they can still hurt you.

“But we have not allowed anything in the second half so many compliments to my players for a really good performance.

“With a bit more quality in our final third we could have even won it.

“But that's more or less the only thing I can criticise.”

Leeds only used two substitutes in the chase for a first home win over the Red Devils since 2002, leaving attacking players Harry Wilson and Jean-Matteo Bahoya unused.

“It was a different game today in comparison to some of the last gamedays,” explained Farke.

“Against Crystal Place we were very dominant at home, we needed to chase an equaliser away at Arsenal.

“In the second half we had to defend a bit like a basketball team, quick in transition moments for Man United, and we needed legs.

“They played so dep and changed to a back five so instead of going for the genius pass, we needed to threaten them with a bit more physicality.

“We need a bit more the physicality and experience of Lukas (Nmecha) and Sean (Longstaff) to win this game.

“We were very close when Anton (Stach) had a good chance.

“It was perhaps not the time for our technical players who can find the pass.”

Elland Road report: Page 25

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