'It has not worked at all' - Man Utd expert highlights tactical concern before Leeds clash

Manchester United's visit to Elland Road presents Leeds United with another opportunity to secure a statement result against their fiercest rivals, but Daniel Farke's side could have a clear tactical advantage if they can exploit the visitors' midfield vulnerabilities.

Michael Carrick's side have struggled to find consistency this season, with questions remaining over their ability to control matches despite further investment in the squad during the summer transfer window.

Callum Foy, who covers Manchester United for Roundtable and Utd District, believes the visitors' problems could provide Leeds with an opportunity to take control of Sunday's encounter.

"It's always great when Manchester United and Leeds United meet, especially at Elland Road, where the Red Devils have won three of the last five (and drawn the other two)," Foy said.

However, the Manchester United journalist was less optimistic about his side's current performances, suggesting that familiar problems have resurfaced under Carrick.

"Despite several midfielders joining in the summer, Man United have gone back to their ways under Erik ten Hag, where the midfield was easily overrun," he explained.

That assessment will offer encouragement to Farke, whose side have shown they can compete with established Premier League opposition.

Leeds took plenty of positives from their recent 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, and they will be looking to translate that performance into a positive result in front of their own supporters.

One of the key issues identified by Foy is the Reds' pressing structure, with the 4-2-4 shape potentially leaving the midfield exposed when opponents manage to bypass the initial pressure.

Foy believes Carrick could address some of those problems by abandoning the system, particularly with Leeds possessing a goalkeeper capable of exploiting the space it can leave behind.

"In truth, Carrick could likely solve many issues by abandoning the 4-2-4 pressing shape, which has not worked at all," he said.

The journalist also highlighted the threat posed by James Trafford's distribution, suggesting it could become a particular problem for United if they continue to leave space in wide areas.

"It will likely be an issue on Sunday if James Trafford can clip a ball into the wing-backs (he definitely can)," Foy added.

Trafford's ability to bypass the first line of pressure could prove important for Leeds, allowing Farke's side to progress up the pitch quickly and find their wing-backs in space.

If the visitors commit too many players forward without maintaining sufficient midfield cover, Leeds could have opportunities to attack the areas left unprotected.

Foy acknowledged that Carlos Baleba, who made his first start against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, could help improve Man Utd's midfield, although he warned against expecting the midfielder to resolve every issue on his own.

"Baleba should help matters, but he won't be able to do it all on his own," he said.

For Leeds, the challenge will be to recognise when to play through Man Utd's press and when to exploit the space behind it.

If Farke's side can execute that plan effectively, they could make life difficult for a Manchester United team that has yet to fully resolve its structural problems.

According to Foy's assessment, the visitors will also be without Patrick Dorgu and Benjamin Šeško for Sunday's encounter.

Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw and Noussair Mazraoui could return, although their availability remains uncertain.

Matthijs de Ligt is another player to monitor, with the defender still working towards his first start since November 2025 after returning from a back problem.

Leeds, meanwhile, are hopeful Daniel James will be available after picking up a minor injury while on international duty.

Joe Rodon remains sidelined but is expected to return in the coming weeks, according to Farke's pre-match press conference.

With the rivalry adding further significance to Sunday's fixture, Leeds will be eager to take advantage of any weaknesses in the visiting side.

Foy's analysis suggests Man United's midfield structure could be a key battleground.

If Leeds can exploit the space left by Carrick's pressing system, they may have a genuine opportunity to secure a memorable result at Elland Road.