**[Leeds United’s](https://www.leedsallover.com/tag/leeds-united/) attention turns swiftly to this Sunday’s clash against Man Utd at Elland Road, dusting ourselves off from defeat to Arsenal.**
It’s odd to come into this week feeling even more optimistic about the season despite losing. Our performance at the Emirates was outstanding for large parts and probably deserved more than a narrow 2-1 defeat.
However, it was a defeat and leaves [Daniel Farke](https://www.leedsallover.com/tag/daniel-farke/) looking for a response in the big one: Them Lot at home on Sunday afternoon.
It’s the game that Elland Road is going to get up for most, and under Farke, that’s often produced a likewise response from the squad too.
We took four points off this weekend’s opponents last season and fans want the same again this season at least. What helps Leeds is that Michael Carrick isn’t exactly coaching a side that will relish playing against Farke’s Leeds.
A lot has been made about Leeds’ aggression and intensity this season, and rightly so. The opposite is being said of Man Utd. The stats paint a clear picture on what both sides bring to the table:
Premier League intensity
Leeds United
Man Utd
Average possession
44.3%
**58.2%**
Total distance per 90
**115.9km**
111.9km
Interceptions per 90
**11.3**
11.2
Tackles per 90
**16.7**
15.7
Ground duel success
**52.3%**
50.4%
Aerial duel success
**51.9%**
49.7%
So, the ongoing narrative around the Old Trafford side is a real lack of intensity and fitness.
Coming up against one of the most physically demanding clubs in the league could prove a test in its own right for the visitors this weekend.
However, what gives Farke and Leeds another big advantage is our amount of rest from Saturday. Meanwhile, Man Utd are in the Champions League tomorrow night, and there aren’t many more gruelling fixtures in the calender than a trip to Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid.
The La Liga giants have a point to prove after losing on their opening day to Liverpool, and will want to put that right.
So, as Leeds have all focus on Sunday, our visitors will need to come out of an intense UCL away day before gearing up for the same game. That should play right into our hands.