BBC Radio Leeds journalist Adam Pope believes only one thing prevented Leeds United from recording a historic victory against Manchester United.
Daniel Farke was left with mixed feelings after his side took a point from their arch-rivals, Man United, in an evenly balanced encounter.
The Leeds boss criticised goalkeeper Lucas Perri after the game, after his error allowed the Red Devils to pull level following the impressive Brenden Aaronson’s well-taken opening goal.
Farke’s squad was down to the bare bones for the Premier League encounter, after Jayden Bogle was ruled out due to a minor calf injury on the eve of the game.
However, Pope believes it was the absence of influential captain Ethan Ampadu that cost Leeds the most, after he was controversially suspended following the game against Liverpool.
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Bogle risked…
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Ethan Ampadu’s absence proved costly for Leeds United v Man United
Speaking to the Don’t Go to Bed Just Yet podcast, Pope explained why he believes that Ampadu’s absence cost Leeds against Man United.
According to Pope, Leeds were unable to control the midfield against the Red Devils, and they missed Ampadu’s leadership in key moments of the game.
Pope said: “There was an Ethan Ampadu-sized hole that needed filling, which you knew wasn’t going to be filled.”
Before adding: “That is the key area that probably stopped Leeds from winning the game or controlling the game. A full-strength Leeds can beat a full-strength Manchester United at the minute.”
Co-host and Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix agreed, stating: “I thought Casemiro got a lot of space, and you can imagine Ampadu closing down and getting involved. What they needed was Ampadu shouting at them and telling them what to do.”
Leeds United have not won without Ethan Ampadu this season
It is hard to escape the feeling that Leeds missed an opportunity against Man United at the weekend, as Joel Piroe came close to winning the game in the closing stages.
Having been forced to settle for a draw against the Red Devils in Ruben Amorim’s final game in charge, Leeds continued their winless run without Ampadu this season.
Agree or disagree – Ethan Ampadu is Leeds’ most important player? 🤔
The Leeds captain has stepped up in the Premier League
According to Transfermarkt, Ampadu has missed three Premier League games for Leeds in the 25/26 season, with Leeds losing one and drawing two without their captain.
With a difficult trip to St James’ Park on the horizon, Farke will be relieved to be able to call upon his captain once again.
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