Credit: Imago

Richie Mills

Tue 14 April 2026 19:10, UK

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke may not have been entirely truthful with his squad update before their 2-1 win over Manchester United.

After beating West Ham in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, Leeds were rocked by injuries to Anton Stach and Joe Rodon, while Gabriel Gudmundsson missed the match due to a groin issue.

On Thursday, Farke added that Jaka Bijol, Noah Okafor and Gudmundsson were unlikely to feature in the Old Trafford clash, with Dan James also sidelined.

He told reporters: “But all three of them are doubts. So, if you would play the game already tomorrow (Friday) then all three wouldn’t be available.”

Farke hoped they would be fit for Leeds’ clash with United, and that proved to be the case, with the trio showing no signs of injury against Michael Carrick’s team in what was a famous win.

Daniel Farke doesn’t reveal his true hand

Before the United match, Farke said Bijol was struggling with a knock, and at the weekend, the Slovenian wasn’t spotted in first-team training.

Moreover, Okafor was in the same boat as he had a back problem. Gudmundsson did partake in training but Farke made it clear the Swede was unlikely to feature.

So when all three not only started against United but thrived, with Bijol a defensive colossus, Gudmundsson putting in a tireless display, and Okafor grabbing a brace, some observers may have raised a wry smile at Farke’s comments last Thursday.

Indeed, this may have been a strategy right out of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s book.

The Spaniard often keeps his cards close to his chest with his squad’s injury list, sometimes not being entirely truthful or just refusing to answer the question.

Either way, it won’t matter as Leeds extended their gap to the bottom three with a priceless win at United.

Leeds fans will well and truly believe that they can stay in the Premier League, with fixtures against lowly Wolves and Burnley to come.

Farke needs to remain wary after Old Trafford heroics

Spirits will be sky high amongst Leeds fans and players heading into Saturday’s clash with Wolves after their shock win against the Premier League’s form side.

Equally, though, as Leeds famously beat Man United at Old Trafford, Farke needs to be wary of slipping up against basement team Wolves, who will be smarting after their 4-0 loss to West Ham last time out.

On paper, Leeds have a relatively easy run-in, with matches against relegation candidates Wolves, Burnley, Tottenham and West Ham.

But at this stage of the season, when there is so much riding on it, every game is difficult.

Leeds ended their four-game streak in the league without a goal and put in a statement display against the Red Devils. Plus, they have an FA Cup semi-final to look forward to.

After a nervy period, things are looking up for Leeds.