Daniel Farke says Leeds deserved more than a point against Manchester United

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke believes his side should have beaten Manchester United after controlling much of their 1-1 Premier League draw at Elland Road on Sunday.

Manchester United went ahead before half-time through Bryan Mbeumo, but Leeds responded after the interval when Dominic Calvert-Lewin equalised to secure a point for the hosts.

Leeds’ performance was reflected in the match statistics. They registered an expected goals figure of 1.44, compared with Manchester United’s lower total, and also recorded five shots on target and 21 touches in the opposition penalty area.

“We are slightly disappointed it is just a point,” Farke told Sky Sports. “Overall, I felt it was not necessary to be losing at half-time, but it is still Manchester United.”

The German said Leeds had improved after the break and deserved credit for the way they continued to impose themselves on the game. However, he also felt their failure to make the most of several chances had prevented them from claiming all three points.

“Second half, we got the equaliser. We should have kept up the dominance, too many strikes went over the crossbar, but it was overall a solid performance,” he said.

“We should have won the game, but we move on.”

Farke also viewed the fact that Leeds had been regarded as favourites by some before kick-off as evidence of the progress they have made during the past month.

“We took it as a compliment that we have done many things right over the last month if we were seen as favourites against Manchester United, but we have earned this,” he said. “We wanted to prove the comments right.”

Although Leeds enjoyed long spells of possession and territory, they were unable to produce the decisive finish required to beat Manchester United.

“We were the dominant side but we couldn’t capitalise as we lacked quality in and around the box,” Farke admitted.

The result has nevertheless strengthened Farke’s belief that Leeds are developing in the right direction. The club are reportedly preparing to offer him a new contract after their encouraging start to the season.

“It says a lot about how much respect we have earned,” Farke said. “Overall, this is where we are at the moment, and overall, it is a good place to be.”

Farke acknowledged that Leeds must become more clinical if they are to convert performances such as Sunday’s into Premier League victories.

“It is still difficult in this league to win points. You have to be clinical and be very, very effective, but we have to keep going,” he added.