Credit: Imago

Daniel Lewis

Tue 14 April 2026 21:10, UK

Leeds United minority investor Larry Nance Jr was among those to hail Ao Tanaka following the midfielder’s starring display in the victory over Manchester United.

Tanaka played 74 minutes for Leeds in Monday’s contest at Old Trafford, which the Whites deservedly won 2-1.

The Japan international has taken his chance since returning to Daniel Farke‘s XI, having also netted in the FA Cup win over West Ham United a week earlier.

Former Fortuna Dusseldorf midfielder Tanaka has been used 26 times in all competitions this season, eight of which have been Premier League starts.

And Tanaka was among the Leeds players to revel in the rare win at Old Trafford as he took to social media on Tuesday.

Ao Tanaka reacts to ‘fantastic night’ for Leeds

Tanaka’s Leeds future was in doubt just a few weeks ago, but that has all changed in the space of about eight days.

The 27-year-old really was brilliant against Man United – as was every last Leeds player – as he registered four key passes.

And Tanaka certainly enjoyed himself, as he took to Instagram to post: “Fantastic night. No reason to give up.”

Plenty of figures connected to Leeds commented on the post, including teammate Gabriel Gudmundsson, who wrote: “Baller.”

Nance Jr, meanwhile, commented with a star emoji, which nicely sums up what every Leeds fan thinks of Tanaka right now.

Basketball star Nance Jr became part owner of Leeds, whom he previously supported, in 2023 as a member of the 49ers Enterprises.

Daniel Farke now has big Anton Stach call to make

Leeds’ best away display of the season – or perhaps even full stop – came without Joe Rodon and Anton Stach in the side, as well as Daniel James.

Rodon and James are out for a while longer yet, but Stach could be back available as soon as next weekend’s clash against Wolves.

Facing bottom side Wolves at Elland Road provides Leeds with a chance to all but confirm their Premier League status with three more points.

Despite an FA Cup semi-final with Chelsea being on the horizon, Farke needs to name his strongest possible XI against Wolves.

However, it may well be that Stach – assuming he is available – watches on from the substitutes’ bench as neither Tanaka, Ethan Ampadu or Brenden Aaronson deserve dropping.

It is a welcome headache for Farke to have, of course, with Leeds now getting some momentum on their side just when it matters most.