Leeds United got their first run-out in over two months as Daniel Farke’s side drew 0-0 with Man United.
The rivals locked horns in Leeds’ pre-season opener in Stockholm, as the stalemate was probably a fair assessment of the game.
Farke handed debuts to all five of Leeds’ new assets, as Leeds fans like the look of Sean Longstaff after his £15m transfer was confirmed on Friday night.
The 27-year-old impressed in his 45-minute cameo, but there was a clear change in Leeds’ system.
Instead of the traditional 4-2-3-1, Farke switched to a 4-3-3, and what Man United boss Ruben Amorim has said is exactly what Farke wants to hear.
Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty ImagesRuben Amorim points out Man United flaw in draw with Leeds United
Leeds put in a solid display, and the hope will be that this continues into the new Premier League season.
Largie Ramazani shone for Leeds against his former club as the winger has given Farke some thinking time.
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Although they looked threatening from wide areas, it was the midfield where Leeds really found their success, and after the game, Amorim spoke about this.
Speaking on MUTV’s coverage of the game, the Portuguese said: “We had a lack of pace, especially in the middle of the park, but we created some chances.”
With Amorim pointing out the lack of pace in his own midfield, this is where Leeds triumphed.
Despite the experience of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, it was Leeds’ three in the middle that dominated, and this is exactly how Farke’s experiment worked to a tee.
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How Farke’s 4-3-3 experiment worked for Leeds vs Man United
Farke is certainly no fool, and will know he cannot approach next season in the same manner he did with the Championship.
This explains why the German decided to change up his way and stick three in midfield instead of the Whites’ traditional pivot.
But how Leeds managed to keep the likes of Fernandes and Ugarte quiet from making progressive passes was through this set-up.
Ethan Ampadu was the one sitting in, whilst Ilia Gruev and Ao Tanaka pressed, with Amorim praising Leeds’ pressing.
The way this worked was through the two higher-up midfielders being able to win the ball in the final third, and create chances from that aspect, with it also slowing down the pace of Man United’s midfield, as Amorim said, with Gruev and Tanaka being the standouts in the draw.
Ao Tanaka vs Man UnitedIlia Gruev vs Man UnitedPass accuracy %96%96%Tackles won %75% (3/4 – most tackles made)25%Passes into final third34Ground duels won8/135/5Dribble success %100%100%
Farke now has alternative ways of setting up this season, as in this instance, Leeds won the midfield battle due to Man United’s set-up, but they have to be cautious in other games against the likes of Liverpool and Man City, who can play around Leeds’ press.
In these types of games, the 4-2-3-1 would be recommended, with a pivot being able to sit in and create more structure, but Farke has certainly got a hidden trick with this midfield three.
Longstaff could shine in a midfield three as Farke will continue to explore the formation, and with the introduction of Anton Stach, this system will only improve.