Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has launched a passionate defence of Manchester United manager Michael Carrick and dismissed the notion that his team should be considered favourites for Sunday's meeting at Old Trafford.
Carrick has come under scrutiny after United registered their worst start to a league season in 40 years. The former midfielder was handed the permanent role after turning the side's fortunes around last term and earning Champions League qualification, but things have been more difficult in 2025/26, with United winless in their last five matches.
Contrasting fortunes so far this season
United have claimed six points from their opening six matches and sit 13th in the Premier League. They face a Leeds side who have only tasted defeat once this season and sit three points ahead.
Farke has a perfect record in league action against Carrick, earning four wins against Middlesbrough and defeating United in April at Old Trafford. Carrick's sole win over the German coach arrived in the Carabao Cup first round in 2024/25.
Farke's defence of Carrick
Nevertheless, Farke believes his rival has done an 'amazing job' in his coaching career so far. The Leeds boss said he would prefer to see British coaches offered more support and protection rather than thrown quickly on the scrap heap.
"When I think about Michael, we don’t have too many young British coaches and managers in the Premier League," Farke said. "Right now we have someone, a really young, promising manager who’s done an excellent job at Middlesbrough and he came in last season in a situation and helped a lot to stabilise the club, helped a lot to steady the ship, and has done an amazing job.
"After six game days, when they didn’t have a horrendous start but, of course, by their perception they want to fight for the title, the criticism starts already. I don’t like it. If we have young, promising managers let’s also look a bit after them, especially ones that have a British passport.
"Keep in mind what he has done for the club for many years as a player, what he has done last season in a very difficult situation where many persons would also be a bit hesitant, more or less like to, to step in and to help. He has done a top-class job."
Farke dismisses favourites tag
Despite contrasting fortunes so far this season, Farke has dismissed any notion that his team should be considered favourites. He said: "We know that we’re capable to do something extraordinary, but let’s do it and then we can speak about it.
"This is my mantra always, instead of speaking too much beforehand, like the King says, ‘A little less conversation, a little more action’. I’m not sure if we are favourites, anyhow. I know how the perception is. We had a brilliant start and are in a really good position.
"If you have a look at the squads, if you have a look how long they spent on Premier League level, you have to say they are definitely not the underdog in a game against Leeds United.
"Look at the transfer value of the team, the quality that they have, and also the options, it’s still a very dangerous opponent, and even more dangerous when they come on the back of a few games without a win."
