'We fight for each other' - Okaforpublished at 12:49 GMT 7 January
12:49 GMT 7 January
Image source, Getty Images
Forward Noah Okafor says it would have been "impossible" for everything to be "perfect" from the beginning of the season for Leeds.
Daniel Farke's side struggled to find their feet back on their return to the Premier League, but a win over then in-form Chelsea in December started their current seven match unbeaten run.
"In the start, it was sometimes a [story of being] little bit unlucky losers," Okafor, who joined the club in the summer, told BBC Radio Leeds.
"We had to find each other, but from the first day I joined, I felt like home. I felt really comfortable. It's like a family and I knew maybe we need some time.
"This wasn't normal [form] because we were loads of new players. It's impossible that after two, three weeks everything is perfect and smooth. You have to be some weeks with them [new team-mates], to train and work on some tactical stuff.
"Now, even every day, every training, every game, it gets better and better. So now we also can see it on the pitch that we are like one family, we fight for each other. That's why we are unbeaten for seven games."
Boss Farke had been coming under pressure before this recent run of good form, but a tweak in system has helped the team move away from the relegation spots.
"In football you always have time pressure," Okafor said. "He's [Farke} a really good coach. He's so clear in what he wants and, how he wants to play.
"From the first day, when he spoke to me, he gave me freedom on the pitch. Sometimes, he wants small details. I think he's one of the best coaches that I had.
"He gave me full confidence. I can be how I really [want to] be on the pitch, so for me this is the most important.
"I'm so happy that we are now unbeaten and that he's the coach of Leeds. We have so many goals to achieve this season and we take it day by day, training by training."
Newcastle v Leeds: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 09:23 GMT 7 January
09:23 GMT 7 January
Leeds take their unbeaten seven-match run to St James' Park to take on a Newcastle side that has won back-to-back league games for only the second time this season.
Leeds' stunning upturn in form since early December has helped them rise from 18th to a full eight points clear of the bottom three. They are also now only nine points off fifth-placed Chelsea, such has been the unpredictable nature of the top flight this season.
The 11 points they have picked up since losing 3-2 to Manchester City on 29 November is as many as they managed across their opening 13 league fixtures of the campaign.
Only two of those seven games have ended in a win, but given how tough their fixtures were with Liverpool twice, Chelsea and Manchester United all in the mix, it makes the achievement of Daniel Farke's side even more impressive.
In further news to boost a buoyant Leeds fanbase, only five Premier League teams that had an eight-point buffer above the bottom three after 20 or more matches went on to be relegated.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin may have drawn a blank in his past two games, but the in-form forward has scored six Premier League goals against Newcastle, only scoring more in his top-flight career against Crystal Palace (seven).
Newcastle enjoy a mini resurgence
After three frustrating matches without a win, Newcastle made it back-to-back league victories for only the second time this season against out-of-form Crystal Palace.
It stretched their unbeaten run at home to seven league games and they have scored exactly two goals in each of those matches at St James' Park.
Maybe more pleasing to head coach Eddie Howe will have been at the other end of the pitch, as his side finally ended their 12-match league run without a clean sheet dating back to early October.
Central to their performance against Palace was 19-year-old Lewis Miley. He once again excelled in the unfamiliar right-back role he has been parachuted into for the first time in his career over their past five matches. Defensively sound, he was also an attacking threat with an assist in an all-action performance.
He completed all 59 of his passes, which was the best 100% rate of any player in a top-flight game this season and the second highest by a Newcastle player on record since 2003-04.
Another player to receive praise was Yoane Wissa. The big-money signing from Brentford endured a frustrating start to his Newcastle career because of the injury he suffered on international duty that delayed his debut until December. His introduction to the starting XI has coincided with their two wins from two.
'Hard to beat again - that feels very Leeds United'published at 11:47 GMT 6 January
11:47 GMT 6 January
Molly Whitmore Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
If there is one thing clear after the past two Leeds United games, it's this: there are far more positives than negatives as we start 2026.
A point against Liverpool is always a fantastic result. Look at what they've achieved in recent years so to go there and come away with something is massive.
As for that famous Anfield atmosphere? We've heard far louder midweek nights at Elland Road.
The biggest heartbreak of the day was Ethan Ampadu's yellow card. Knowing instantly that he would miss the Manchester United game was a gut punch. But really… who's surprised?
Then came the rivalry of all rivalries. Man Utd at Elland Road is the fixture we all look for on the calendar and what an opportunity it was. Them coming off a draw with Wolves and us unbeaten since November and confidence quietly building.
Take a bow, Brenden Aaronson. When he drove through the box, my dad and I looked at each other and whispered: "What on earth is he doing?" Seconds later, the ball was buried in the back of the net. Scenes. Absolute limbs. If we'd held on at 1-0, or even nicked another, my next dog was genuinely getting named Little Brenden.
But now then, Lucas Perri, if you're reading this, please stop charging out of the box like that. Just a bit more composure, please. We panic enough in the stands without you adding to it. It has been a while since we have had a commanding keeper and while Perri has plenty of upside, he does make me nervous when opposition crosses the halfway line.
All of that said, I do really like Karl Darlow. Experienced, calm, and proven at both Premier League and Championship level. There's a steadiness there that Leeds fans appreciate.
In midfield, though, the absence of Ampadu was obvious. We just did not look the same without him.
When the dust settled, we left Elland Road pleased with a point, but slightly deflated it was not all three. On paper it was maybe a fair result, but there's absolutely no way Manchester United deserved to win that game.
Now all eyes turn to Wednesday. Personally, the best away game for me, though never an easy one emotionally. It is always tense, especially as my other half is a Magpie.
But one thing's for sure, this Leeds side is competitive, together, and moving in the right direction. We are hard to beat again - and that, above everything else, feels very Leeds United.
'Too many missing parts' without 'leader of men' Ampadupublished at 07:46 GMT 6 January
07:46 GMT 6 January
Image source, Getty Images
In the latest episode of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Simon Rix look at the Whites' rise to being eight points clear of the relegation zone.
After a draw at Anfield, Leeds took another hard-earned point against rivals Manchester United at Elland Road - a game that proved to be Ruben Amorim's last in charge of the Old Trafford side.
However, with Ethan Ampadu having been suspended, Pope says Manchester United were fortunate to face a Leeds team without their skipper.
"There was an Ethan Ampadu-sized hole that needed filling, which you knew wasn't going to be filled," he said.
"That is the key area that probably stopped Leeds from winning the game or controlling the game.
"A full-strength Leeds can beat a full-strength Manchester United at the minute."
Rix agreed, adding that the absence of Leeds' "leader of men" hindered the midfield.
"There are too many missing parts," said the Kaiser Chiefs' bassist. "You can imagine Ethan Ampadu crunching a tackle.
"I thought Casemiro got a lot of space, and you can imagine Ampadu closing down and getting involved. What they needed was Ampadu shouting at them and telling them what to do."
Farke on Bogle future, Perri's place & 'remarkable' runpublished at 17:25 GMT 5 January
17:25 GMT 5 January
Nicola Pearson BBC Sport journalist
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Premier League game against Newcastle United at St James' Park (kick-off 20:15 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Farke confirmed they have "no new injury concerns" as they try and "recover smart" for the quick turnaround in games.
He also confirmed the plan was not to involve Sean Longstaff before the FA Cup match at Derby County on Sunday.
However, the ex-Newcastle midfielder is back in training and Farke said it is "important" to have his "maturity and his personality" in the dressing room. Therefore, both Longstaff and Ethan Ampadu are in contention for "a few minutes" on Wednesday.
On Jayden Bogle, who missed Sunday's draw with Manchester United due to a calf injury, and has been subject to speculation he could leave this month: "[The injury is] genuine. This time of the year there are always some rumours or whatever, but no-one has to be concerned. Jayden Bogle was our player, is our player and will be our player. He will definitely stay with us. He's an important player for us. It's makes no sense [to sell him]. We just hope that he recovers pretty quick."
He added that both Bogle and Joe Rodon are "making good progress" but it is more "realistic that they are not ready" for this game but could be after the FA Cup match.
Given the short amount of time between games, Farke said they could spend "six hours talking about what Newcastle does with the ball and six hours what they do against the ball". However, that would leave players with heads "too full" and as a manager you have to "put some shackles around your hands on what you normally would do with [the players]".
The Whites boss insisted the place of goalkeeper Lucas Perri in the side was "not even a topic we have to speak about right now", adding: "We've spoken quite openly and honestly about Lucas definitely not [making] the best decision for the goal of Manchester United. It's important to be open and transparent about it and not to hide. But on the other hand, we are seven games unbeaten, we had a great clean sheet at Liverpool and Lucas has also played this part in this unbeaten run."
Farke is "not surprised" at all by his team's form as he "always knew that we were capable to deliver" and that they have been "unlucky" earlier in the season. He also added that it was "remarkable" to go seven games unbeaten as a promoted side.
Leeds 1-1 Man Utd - the fans' verdictpublished at 07:09 GMT 5 January
07:09 GMT 5 January
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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Leeds United and Manchester United.
Here are some of your comments:
Leeds fans
Oli: Good fight shown but disappointed to not get the maximum points as I believe it was Leeds' game to win, especially with Manchester United missing Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo. However, Leeds performed well without their leader and captain Ethan Ampadu and star defender Joe Rodon.
Chris: Compared to recent home games it was a frustrating watch. At times it was more like a scrappy Sunday league game. Gave away a goal far too easily and it was probably a game we should have won against a second-string Manchester United team.
Steve: Feels like two points dropped against a very average side - caused by a poor decision from Perri so soon after taking the lead. However, we have pulled clear of the relegation zone and I would have taken a point before the game.
Man Utd fans
Omar: We were tactically poor with too many lateral and backward passes to the goalie who had to resort to kicking up front. The many long balls gave back possession to Leeds. All this stems from a poor midfield. The many draws are a clear indication of a lack of penetration and the urgency to recruit a good midfielder in the January transfer windows
Bob: Considering the lack of attacking players, Manchester United had at their disposal, they should be happy with the way they played. They controlled the ball and moved it about well. I'd say it was positive for Manchester United.
James: Lack of identity, lack of any kind of organised attack, lack of skill, lack of effort. It's like watching a second division game.
Analysis: Another step towards survivalpublished at 16:40 GMT 4 January
16:40 GMT 4 January
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
After the memorable victories against Chelsea and Crystal Palace and the thrilling comeback against Liverpool in their last three home games, the arrival of Leeds' fiercest rivals to Elland Road was a bit drab.
True, Senne Lammens knew better than to wave towards the Kop given the noise that accompanied his arrival for the start of the game, Cunha received a frosty reception when he went to take a corner and Luke Shaw a more personal one when he conceded one, but it was not really intimidating.
Leeds' fans were more concerned about their side's inability to get worthwhile possession close to the visitors' penalty area for any length of time.
The Dominic Calvert-Lewin header that clipped off the post was an isolated moment, created through Anton Stach's accurate curling cross and the striker's ability to get some space for himself in a crowded box.
It still felt as though Leeds were struggling when Ayden Heaven's positional error opened the door for Brenden Aaronson.
Ever so briefly, Leeds' delirious fans thought they were about to secure a rare win against Manchester United, something they have now only experienced once in 20 top-flight encounters.
Nevertheless, there is a much bigger picture to deal with for Daniel Farke and Leeds.
When they went to Manchester City on 29 November on the back of a run of one win in seven games, many thought Farke would be out of a job by now.
Instead, he is masterminding significant progress.
The job is not done yet but step by step, Leeds are getting closer to survival.
Leeds 1-1 Man Utd: What Farke saidpublished at 15:06 GMT 4 January
15:06 GMT 4 January
Media caption,
Watch Farke's chat with BBC Match of the Day here
Daniel Farke spoke to TNT Sports after Leeds' draw against Manchester United: "If you play Man Utd as a newly-promoted side it's always a good point. Also a good point, it wasn't our best game today football-wise, it was a bit scruffy, you could see a few key players were out and we were a bit tired today.
"Nevertheless we found a way. We forced an opener and would have taken all three points, so for that I'm a bit disappointed, but if I calm down I have to say it's a fair point."
"It's a good point, another point on our tally and extend the gap a little bit. Resilience in a difficult game for us, but I'm still a bit disappointed it wasn't three points."
"We had to play with fire in the heart and cool in the head. It's difficult when you have such a schedule. We kept a clean sheet away at Liverpool, then two and a half days later everyone tells you it's the most important game in the last three years. Everyone is super excited.
"It was important to play aggressive and with intensity, and find a good balance. Football definitely wasn't the best today, but another good point."
On how proud he is of the team recently: "We always give everything, and also physically we go over the line. Today that was necessary.
"We are on a good path."
Did you know?
Leeds United are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League games (W2 D5), earning as many points over that period (11) as their opening 13 matches of the 2025-26 campaign (W3 D2 L8).
Leny Yoro replaces Joshua Zirkzee in the Manchester United starting line-up. Replaced at half-time against Wolves despite scoring, Zirkzee drops to the bench where 17-year-old Godwill Kukonki replaces Chido Obi.
Patrick Dorgu seems set for a third different starting position in as many games, potentially in one of the number 10 roles.
Manchester United XI: Lammens, Heaven, Yoro, Martinez, Shaw, Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu, Cunha, Sesko.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Fulham v Liverpool" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Tottenham v Sunderland", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Leeds v Man Utdpublished at 17:18 GMT 3 January
17:18 GMT 3 January
I am loving Daniel Farke's Leeds United more and more, every passing week. They showed incredible guts to go to Anfield on Thursday and get a point and they almost took all three.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin will start this game after being rested until the last 20 minutes against Liverpool and he can cause Manchester United all sorts of problems.
Seeing Calvert-Lewin start among the substitutes raised a few eyebrows because of the run of scoring he is on, but that is the difficulty managers have at this time of year when games come thick and fast.
I know I go against Manchester United a lot with my predictions but I am still waiting for them to prove me wrong.
They have done all right recently, but nothing more. They have only lost two of their past 13 games, which is decent, but they have drawn five times in that run and, when I watch them, they are just not very exciting.
In fact, they are dull. Their fans used to sing "glory glory Man United" but now they are more likely to sing "boring boring Man United", when I expected a bit more from them this season.
You certainly wouldn't accuse Leeds United of being boring at the moment.
Maybe the way they will come at Manchester United will suit the visitors, but Ruben Amorim's side seem to lack leadership when Bruno Fernandes is missing and I am going to back Leeds United instead.
Leeds United v Manchester United: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 12:44 GMT 3 January
12:44 GMT 3 January
Jordan Butler BBC Sport journalist
Leeds United and Manchester United prepare to renew hostilities in one of English football's fiercest rivalries on Sunday (12:30 GMT). BBC Sport explores some key themes ahead of the match.
Historic rivalry
The rivalry between Lancashire and Yorkshire dates back centuries and this fixture marks 100 years, three months and two days since the first top-flight meeting between these sides.
Leeds registered a 2-0 victory at Elland Road that day in October 1925 and the result helped the Yorkshire club avoid relegation from the old First Division by a single point – a good omen perhaps if they can replicate that result on Sunday. But in recent history this fierce cross-Pennine derby has been largely one-sided.
Leeds have recorded one top-flight victory over Manchester United in their past 19 attempts (D6, L12) and have defeated their bitter foes only five times in 34 league and cup meetings since the Premier League's inception in 1992 (D9, L20). Four of those victories were at home and the other came in the FA Cup at Old Trafford nearly 16 years ago.
Leeds have lost their past two home clashes with the Red Devils but have never suffered three straight defeats to their rivals at Elland Road.
Farke's found form
Daniel Farke's inspired switch of formation sparked an impressive end to 2025 in which his side went unbeaten throughout December. They are now six without defeat after a dogged defensive display earned them a deserved draw at Anfield on New Year's Day and they will certainly fancy their chances in this match.
Leeds have only failed to find the net in one of their last 17 Premier League home games and have scored three times or more in their past three outings. Those goals have contributed to comprehensive victories over Chelsea and Crystal Palace and a 3-3 draw with Liverpool.
Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has found the net in all three of those matches and is vying to score in four successive home league games for the first time in his career. The last Leeds player to achieve such a feat was Mark Viduka in April 2004.
Manchester United's continuing habit
Manchester United's failure to beat Wolves in midweek drew audible criticism from the supporters inside Old Trafford, with the majority electing to boo off their team at full-time.
"Today, we could win but we had a lack of fluidity, a lack of quality and a lack of creation of chances," conceded head coach Ruben Amorim during his post-match interview.
His side squandered another lead in the 1-1 draw on Tuesday meaning they have dropped 12 points from winning positions this season – they relinquished 11 in the entirety of 2024-25 and 12 represents their joint-most at the halfway point of a Premier League campaign.
Victory would have propelled United to fifth, but they remain sixth prior to this weekend and are only three points behind fourth-place Liverpool. The Red Devils have also suffered just one defeat in the past seven league outings, winning three and drawing three of those matches.
Manchester United have enjoyed the upper hand against Leeds in recent years and they are unbeaten in their previous 25 league meetings with promoted sides, winning 22 and drawing three.
However, they have never defeated their Yorkshire rivals when facing them in the opening league game of a calendar year, drawing 0-0 in 1931, 1-1 in 1958, 0-0 in 1994 and losing 2-1 in 1969.
