‘We could have even won it’ - Daniel Farke reflects on Leeds United's draw with Man Utd

Daniel Farke has admitted Leeds United's lack of quality in the final third was the only criticism he had of his players after Sunday's 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Elland Road.

The Whites recovered from going behind to Bryan Mbeumo's first-half opener, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin restoring parity six minutes after the interval, but were unable to find a winner despite enjoying periods of control and creating several opportunities.

Leeds entered the contest looking to build on their performance against Arsenal before the international break, and Farke's side again demonstrated their ability to compete against elite Premier League opposition.

However, the head coach felt his players could have been more clinical when opportunities arose.

Speaking after the final whistle, Farke revealed that both he and his players were disappointed not to take all three points, believing Leeds had done enough to win the encounter.

"I wanted to win this game and my boys as well, you could see this outside," Farke said. "We're even a bit disappointed we didn't win it."

The German was particularly pleased with the way his team controlled the match, suggesting Manchester United's first-half advantage was avoidable. Although Mbeumo punished a lapse in concentration to give the visitors the lead, Farke felt Leeds had the better of the contest overall.

"I think we were the better side, the dominant side. It was not necessary to be losing at half-time," he explained.

Farke acknowledged that United's attacking quality meant his side could not afford to switch off defensively, but his main frustration centred on the decisions Leeds made when trying to create opportunities in the opposition penalty area.

"If you're not one moment switched on to track the run and with their quality they can hurt you. We lacked a bit in our decision making in the first half, could have done a bit better and played with more clarity in and around the box."

Leeds improved considerably after the interval, with Calvert-Lewin's equaliser giving the home side renewed belief and allowing them to build momentum in front of a packed Elland Road.

Anton Stach, Ao Tanaka and Noah Okafor all had opportunities to test Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens, while the hosts continued to threaten from wide areas.

However, too many attempts failed to find the target, and several deliveries into the penalty area did not quite reach their intended recipients.

For Farke, those details ultimately prevented Leeds from turning a promising performance into a victory.

"We had this in the second half, had the momentum but the problem was there were too many strikes over the crossbar and too many crosses were a bit too long," he said.

"This situation killed a bit our momentum. This lack of quality in the finishing and crossing was the only thing I could criticise."

The head coach's assessment highlighted the fine margins that separated Leeds from a potentially significant result.

While their ability to create openings against Manchester United was encouraging, greater composure in the decisive moments could have delivered all three points.

Nevertheless, Farke was keen to emphasise the positives, particularly the defensive discipline his players showed after the break.

Despite the frustration of failing to find a winner, Farke was pleased with the way Leeds limited Manchester United's attacking threat during the second half.

The visitors possess considerable pace and quality in transition, meaning the home side had to remain alert whenever possession was lost.

However, Leeds managed to restrict those opportunities after the interval, allowing them to maintain pressure in their search for a second goal.

Farke believes his players deserve considerable credit for the way they managed the contest against opponents capable of punishing even the smallest mistake.

"You always have to be aware it's still Manchester United and the quality that they have and can bring in," he said.

"With a counter attack they can still hurt you, and we have not allowed anything in the second half, and for that many compliments to my players for another really good performance and to dominate the performance against Man United."

The Leeds manager also reiterated his belief that his side could have taken the victory with greater quality in attacking areas.

"With a bit more quality in the final third I think we could have even won it."

The draw means Leeds have now produced competitive performances against Arsenal and Manchester United in consecutive Premier League fixtures, although Farke will want his team to turn those displays into more points as the campaign progresses.

Farke also offered an explanation for his decision to introduce Sean Longstaff and Lukas Nmecha during the second half, with Harry Wilson and Jean-Mattéo Bahoya remaining unused substitutes.

The changes were designed to provide Leeds with additional physicality and energy as the match became increasingly stretched, rather than simply introducing players to provide greater technical creativity in the final third.

With Manchester United defending deeper and looking to exploit opportunities on the counter-attack, Farke felt the physical demands of the contest made Longstaff and Nmecha the more suitable options.

"It was a different game today in comparison to some of the last game days - we had to defend a bit like a basketball team, always quick transition moments for Man United and we needed legs," he explained.

"Because they played so deep it was more important instead of going for the genius pass, to threaten them with physicality."

Farke acknowledged that the situation was not necessarily suited to the more technical qualities of Wilson and Bahoya, with Leeds instead needing players capable of competing physically and helping the team manage the closing stages.

"It was not the time for our perhaps technical players who can find the easy little pass. We needed a bit more experience and physicality."

Ultimately, Farke's assessment was one of frustration mixed with encouragement. Leeds were unable to claim a victory against their fierce rivals, but their performance suggested they can compete with established Premier League opposition.

The challenge now is to improve the quality of their finishing and crossing, ensuring that the opportunities they create translate into more decisive results in the weeks ahead.