Leeds United
Ao Tanaka. Credit: Imago
Noah Okafor earned the plaudits for his two goals against Manchester United on Monday night, but Ao Tanaka was another star of the big win at Old Trafford.
Anton Stach’s injury meant that Tanaka got a rare start in the Premier League, and he didn’t waste the opportunity by putting in a brilliant performance against Manchester United.
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The Japanese midfielder played a big role in Leeds dominating the midfield against the Red Devils and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet in the first half.
He has earned plaudits for the performance he produced against Manchester United. However, there are now serious doubts about his fitness ahead of the Wolves game.
Graham Smyth reveals concerning update around Ao Tanaka
Ao Tanaka had to come off towards the end of the game, in what appeared to be a foot injury, and he didn’t look comfortable after the game.
Leeds insider Graham Smyth revealed that the midfielder was unable to celebrate properly after the game and refused to run in front of the fans as he was clearly injured.
He indicated that there are concerns around his fitness ahead of the big game against Wolves on Saturday.
Smyth said on the Inside Elland Road podcast: “I’m a bit concerned about Tanaka, he was pointing to his foot before he came off at Old Trafford, he didn’t look comfortable.
“When Longstaff tried to grab him and conscript him into the running wave to the fans, he had this look of shocked horror on his face; he was aghast, basically saying no, I can’t, or no, I don’t want to.
“So there’s definitely a question mark over him.”
Old Trafford may have saved his Leeds career
Tanaka was the standout midfielder in the Championship last season and played a key role in helping Leeds secure promotion to the Premier League.
This season, though, injuries, inconsistent form and stronger competition saw him lose his place in the side.
He was left on the bench for seven consecutive Premier League matches between late January and March and seemed to be heading towards the exit at Elland Road.
But Anton Stach’s injury, along with the need for more energy in midfield, allowed him to return to the starting XI against Manchester United on Monday night.
After his performance at Old Trafford, it will be difficult to leave him out of the team for the Wolves game at Elland Road this weekend if he is fit.
Tanaka has turned things around and, with that display against Manchester United, has effectively revived his Leeds career.