Michael Carrick Credit: Imago
Leeds United will be in FA Cup action today, but they will have one eye on their Premier League fixture against Manchester United a week from Monday.
The last FA Cup semi-final spot for this season is up for grabs today when Leeds take on West Ham at the London Stadium. However, Premier League survival is the Whites’ priority.
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Daniel Farke’s side have not won a league game in their last six and are under pressure ahead of travelling to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United a week from Monday.
The Red Devils have lost just once since Michael Carrick took charge in December and could now have a key player back in the squad ahead of the Leeds game.
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Patrick Dorgu has not played since scoring in a 3-2 win over Arsenal for Manchester United in January. He picked up a hamstring injury at the Emirates Stadium.
The left-back who can play as a left-winger was hitting form before picking up the injury, and despite their form, Manchester United have missed his presence.
However, there is a real chance that he could be back in the squad ahead of Leeds travelling to Old Trafford a week from Monday.
Manchester United have confirmed that the Denmark international is back on the grass, training individually as he continues his rehabilitation.
If there are no new setbacks, Dorgu could be back in training with the full squad soon, ahead of returning in action on the pitch.
The Leeds game could be a bit too early, but there is a chance that he could still make the squad ahead of the fixture at Old Trafford.
The Whites are under some pressure ahead of the Old Trafford trip
Leeds’ draw with Brentford just before the international break wasn’t a bad result on paper. The Bees are pushing for Europe and are a tough side to beat, but a win would have taken a lot of pressure off.
Daniel Farke has already admitted his team may need around seven more points to guarantee Premier League safety.
For now, other results have helped Leeds stay four points clear of the relegation zone, but they can’t keep depending on other teams doing them favours.
Tottenham’s decision to bring in Roberto De Zerbi is expected to give them a boost, making the situation even more tense in the coming weeks.
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There’s likely to be added pressure after the break, and an early win would go a long way in easing the mood around Elland Road.
That won’t be easy, though. Manchester United are in strong form, losing just once since Carrick took charge in January.
By the time Leeds travel to Old Trafford on Monday, April 13, they may well be glancing nervously over their shoulder as the relegation battle intensifies.