“We just want to show everyone who we are” - Tarik Muharemović sends message after Leeds United draw with Man Utd

Leeds United defender Tarik Muharemović has insisted Daniel Farke's side are determined to prove their Premier League credentials after being held to a 1-1 draw by Manchester United at Elland Road.

The Whites recovered from a first-half deficit to claim a point against their fierce rivals, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin firing home six minutes after the restart to cancel out Bryan Mbeumo's opener.

Muharemović played a key role in the equaliser, flicking on Anton Stach's corner for Calvert-Lewin to finish, and produced another impressive defensive display as Leeds competed against a Manchester United side boasting considerable individual quality.

However, despite the comeback and the opportunities Leeds created in the second half, the Bosnia and Herzegovina international was left frustrated that his side could not find a winner in front of their home supporters.

Speaking after the final whistle, Muharemović acknowledged that Leeds had done plenty of things well but felt they were missing the decisive touch in the final third.

“We had a good pressure, we were pressing good, we had some good actions as well, but at the end something was missing to score the goal,” he told the media.

The defender was particularly pleased with the team's defensive performance and determination to push for all three points, although he recognised that small details ultimately prevented Leeds from completing the comeback.

“It is small things that we have to be aware of and prepared better for next week. We tried everything. You saw how motivated, how attentive we played. We were defensively I think on top. We tried everything to score the second goal.”

Leeds had several opportunities to take the lead after Calvert-Lewin's equaliser, with Ao Tanaka, Noah Okafor and Anton Stach all going close. The hosts also enjoyed sustained spells of possession as they looked to capitalise on their momentum, but Manchester United managed to withstand the pressure.

For Muharemović, the result was another reminder of the fine margins involved at the highest level, with the defender accepting that Leeds must take the positives from their performance and continue working towards greater consistency.

“We even had some good chances but obviously at the end of the day that is football. Not every time you can win or score lots of goals. So, yeah, we take the point and we keep going.”

Despite the disappointment of dropping two points at Elland Road, Muharemović believes Leeds have demonstrated that they belong among the Premier League's top sides.

The draw followed their narrow 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium before the international break, meaning Farke's team have now faced two sides competing at the highest level of European football in consecutive league fixtures.

Although Leeds have been unable to secure a victory in either encounter, their performances have offered encouragement, with the team showing they can compete against strong opposition.

Muharemović believes the players must continue building on those displays while remaining grounded as they work towards their objectives for the season.

“We just want to show everyone who we are and where we belong. At the end, we stay humble, we go step by step and at the end I hope we achieve all our goals,” he explained.

“I think it is the second week in a row that we go against a Champions League side and are disappointed to not get all the three points.”

The defender's comments reflect the ambition within the Leeds dressing room, with the squad determined to establish itself at Premier League level following promotion. While the draw against Manchester United was not the result the players wanted, their ability to recover from going behind demonstrated the resilience Farke will be keen to maintain.

Muharemović also highlighted the importance of continuing to demonstrate what Leeds are capable of, suggesting that performances against established opposition should provide confidence for the challenges ahead.

“We know how big this game is and how difficult these games are but we still showed where we are and what we are and what we can do. We just have to keep going and show everyone even more.”

Away from the performance on the pitch, Muharemović was full of praise for the Leeds supporters, whose backing created an electric atmosphere throughout Sunday's encounter.

The defender has regularly spoken positively about playing at Elland Road, and the latest meeting with Manchester United provided another opportunity to experience the intensity surrounding one of English football's fiercest rivalries.

Despite the frustration of not securing a victory, Muharemović expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent Leeds in front of such passionate supporters.

“Elland Road is just crazy. I have always said it. I am just thankful to play here, to have such a possibility to see supporters like this, a stadium like this. I am thankful for the fans.”

The centre-back also had a direct message for the Leeds faithful, urging them to maintain their support as Farke's side continue their Premier League campaign.

“And a message from me is just to keep on going like this, support us and stay behind us.”

With Leeds taking encouragement from another competitive display against elite opposition, Muharemović's message was one of determination rather than disappointment alone. The defender knows there is still work to do, but believes the team can continue to improve as they look to turn promising performances into victories.

For now, Leeds must settle for a point against Manchester United, with the focus already turning towards the next challenge and the opportunity to build on the positives from Sunday's performance.