Leeds United must be licking their lips at the prospect of playing Manchester United, and supporters on TalkingPoints believe Daniel Farke’s side can inflict more misery on the Red Devils. 

Clearly, the issues that Michael Carrick’s side have endured this season play a part in that, but this is not just about a struggling Manchester United side. It is about the quality that Leeds boast.  

Leeds fans believe their team’s intensity will be too much for Manchester United

Asked for their pre-match predictions on TalkingPoints, readers and subscribers spoke about much more than simply the result. Indeed, a number of them talked of how Farke’s intense tactical approach at Leeds would simply be too much for their visitors.  

“4-1 Leeds. Dominic Calvert-Lewin hat-trick. You heard it first here,” read another response.

“3-1 Leeds! The worst team for Man Utd to play right now,” claimed another subscriber.

“5-0 Carrick sacked at the whistle,” read one response.

Not every supporter thinks Leeds will have it all their own way, even if one Manchester United fan did tell TalkingPoints that they were dreading the game. The Old Trafford giants do boast some very good players, who are capable of putting on a performance, so it is certainly understandable as to why some are still backing them. 

Others suggested: “Feels like a terrible time for [Manchester] United to have this game, which is why they’ll probably scrape a lucky 2-1 win thanks to a dodgy late Bruno [Fernandes] penalty.”

“I don’t see another United manager being axed after a Leeds game,” said another. “Carrick will get something out of the game. I see a draw. Yes, Leeds are doing well this season, but the United players need to pull together and dig deep – and I think they will.”

Why Leeds’ intensity can overcome Manchester United

Leeds have made huge improvements under Farke, combining bravado and bluster with genuine quality and class. They are not merely a team full of athletes capable of running over the opposition, but their physicality should not be underplayed. 

They would be a match for any team. Last time out, an impressive Leeds team pushed reigning Premier League champions Arsenal all the way, proving how comfortable they are against elite sides. 

Sunday’s opposition are not that, of course. Carrick’s side are in disarray right now and while there is more to football than simply covering distance, the marked difference in running statistics between the two teams is stark.

As per FotMob data, Manchester United cover an average distance of 111.9km per Premier League match, the 12^th highest rank in the Premier League. Leeds, meanwhile, sit second behind Arsenal in that particular metric, covering an average of 115.9km.  

That alone will not win Leeds the match, but it is clearly a solid platform upon which to build. If their pressing structure is on point, they can force opponents into making mistakes. Backed on by a fierce home crowd, it’s a genuine blueprint for success even before looking at the individual quality of the players.

Leeds’ intensity could cause Manchester United major problems, regardless of their visitors’ current form. They have the tools to build on their strong start to the season, although they need to translate that promise into a result against one of their biggest rivals. For supporters who believe Leeds are well-placed to beat their big rivals, there are reasons for optimism.