Daniel Farke is looking forward to a big test for his team at Old Trafford.
Leeds United are still riding high after progress into the FA Cup semi-final with a penalty shootout victory over West Ham in the FA Cup quarter-final. They aim to take another step to Premier League survival with a positive result at Manchester United, whose form in the new year has improved under Michael Carrick.
Manchester United's resurgent form under Carrick
The Red Devils have only lost one of their last 14 league fixtures, taking seven wins and 23 points out of their ten games with the interim head coach. The group has certainly benefitted from having to focus on only domestic football in 2026, and Farke feels that United will give a stern test to his team.
"After a few weeks it's a bit too early to judge, but Michael has played at the top level with world-class players and been able to win trophies and this experience helps.
"His team always plays with a lot of confidence and freedom and offensive movements and it's difficult to control. I like his style a lot and it suits his team, full of top players. It's no coincidence they've had so many good results, especially in their home games."
"It's difficult to anticipate. They didn't have games or injuries, but on the other hand they can also enjoy themselves in training. You never know, especially at this time in the season, to have such a long break. I expect a difficult game for us."
The significance of the Leeds-Manchester United rivalry
*"We all know how much it means to everyone connected to Leeds United. Such a game. We want to make our supporters proud and give them a performance to remember. We wouldn't even need extra motivation because of course we play for every point. We have to fight for every goal to score and to avoid goals against us.*
"To do this would be a major boost and of course help our situation in the table. We're looking forward to have this game on Monday. It's important to take this (rivalry) into this fixture.
“When you're in touch with our supporters in everyday life, you know how much it means to them and you don't need to point it out to the players. It's even important to make sure the players aren't over-motivated and go across the line. It's important to play with fire and heart but also cool in the head."