Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Thu 9 April 2026 21:10, UK

Lucas Perri was Leeds United‘s hero against West Ham in the FA Cup, but that has not always been the case this season.

The Brazilian has been involved in countless mistakes for the Whites this season, leading to Karl Darlow taking over as number one in the Premier League.

Perri has still had his chances, as seen by his selection in the FA Cup, but he will be eyeing a Premier League return.

In fact, in the reverse fixture against the Red Devils, the goalkeeper was involved in a crucial mistake, with Daniel Farke calling him out following the full-time whistle.

However, after his heroics in the penalty shoot-out against West Ham, ahead of Leeds’ game versus Man United, the opposition has a threat that may be best suited for Perri’s qualities.

Why Lucas Perri may be better suited than Karl Darlow vs Man United

Perri starting against Manchester United could be a wildcard decision by Farke but one that may bare plenty of fruit.

As the Whites gear up to face one of their biggest rivals, the opposition poses a long-distance threat the LS11 club must be wary of.

As revealed by Opta, two of the players set to face Leeds in Monday night’s clash are among the top five for shots attempted from outside the box.

These are Bruno Fernandes (38) and Matheus Cunha (33). With that threat looming, Perri may be a better pick by Farke.

Over 16 appearances in the Premier League this season, the Brazilian has conceded just once from outside the box.

Meanwhile, in 15 games, Darlow has conceded four from outside the box.

Additionally, Perri only concedes a goal from outside the box for every eight saves he makes from those attempts. Darlow concedes one for every three saves.

What happened last time Perri faced Man United?

Farke will have his own concerns after he called out Perri for making a crucial error in the reverse fixture against Man United. Additionally, Perri has been told he must be more aggressive in goal.

When Cunha ran through on goal to level the score at Elland Road, the German felt that Perri made the wrong decision to rush off of his line.

Farke was left disappointed by the decision stating: “It’s disappointing, and normally I don’t like to speak too much about mistakes and individual mistakes, it’s also obvious Lucas took the wrong decision and came off his line.

“If he stays on his line, then it’s probably not even a chance – because he was running away from the goal and Seb and Jaka were close to him.”

However, after his FA Cup heroics and the reveal about the Old Trafford’s side threat from distance, he may be in a better position than Darlow to thwart the Manchester club.

With relegation on the line, picking up points is crucial, and playing against the opposition’s strengths can be key.

Perri’s record highlights he has the ability to stop a major threat Manchester United hold. It could be the perfect redemption story for the Brazilian.