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Leeds United given realistic verdict on finishing above Man Utd in Premier League table

Leeds United will be back in the Premier League next season and Whites icon Stuart Dallas has claimed they can rival Manchester United - if they can get one aspect just right

09:04, 12 Jun 2025

Stuart Dallas smiles as he has his picture taken

Stuart Dallas has revealed how Leeds can challenge Manchester United(Image: RIFE)

Leeds United legend Stuart Dallas has high hopes that the club can outdo arch-rivals Manchester United in the Premier League next season, provided they nail their summer recruitment.

Following an incredible campaign in the Championship, Leeds are now poised to return to the English top flight for the 2025/26 season. Under Daniel Farke, Leeds suffered just four losses and earned 100 points this season.

Burnley also matched that total, but Leeds came out on top due to a better goal difference. While 2024/2025 represented a joyous season for the Whites, the same can't be said for the Red Devils.

Under Ruben Amorim, United found themselves finishing in 15th place in the Premier League and losing to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final. Dallas, 34, is now optimistic that Leeds can take the fight to Amorim's squad next season.

It is reported that the club's owners, 49ers Enterprises, are set to make about £100 million available for transfers this summer, reports the Mirror.

Speaking at the Leeds American Golf for the #RifeDontMiss putting challenge, Dallas said: "The gap is big. That's common knowledge because promoted teams and how they've done in the last number of seasons. I think it is continuing to grow.

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Stuart Dallas claps fans in a Leeds United shirt

Stuart Dallas retired two years on from suffering a career-ending injury(Image: Craig Mercer)

"Leeds are in a position where they financially can go and strengthen. You can give me £150m and I can go and spend it. What I'm trying to say is the recruitment has to be right.

"I reckon Leeds have got their act together this season. They've likely taken lessons from the past and they're poised to make a real impact in the Premier League over the next few years. But, as always, it's all about nailing the recruitment, which I'm confident they will."

Dallas, who hung up his boots in 2024 after making 248 appearances for Leeds, also shared his thoughts on the club's Player of the Year for the 2024/25 season, Daniel James.

Ruben Amorim puts his hand to his face

Ruben Amorim has endured a torrid time in charge of Manchester United so far(Image: Alex Pantling - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

James had a stint at Old Trafford for three seasons before making the switch to Elland Road, but Dallas isn't so sure United are kicking themselves for letting the Welsh star go, despite the massive strides made by the 27-year-old.

"Like any club, Man Utd have seen a fair share of players come and go. Dan has clearly found his groove at Leeds and he's chuffed. His family is settled here too," Dallas added.

"He's been smashing it this season. He's started racking up goals and assists, adding some serious numbers to his game, which perhaps wasn't the case before. The lad's always had the talent.

"His speed is blistering and it was just his final touch that was lacking. He's started delivering on that front this year. I wouldn't say Man Utd are looking back with regret for letting him go. But there's no denying, he's had a cracking season."

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Dallas was speaking at the second #RifeDontMiss Challenge, celebrating the launch of the new RIFE Black Edition putters. To register for the final qualifier and be in with a chance of winning £50,000, sign up here.

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