Leeds make history at Old Trafford as Farke’s risks pay off, Okafor stars and Tanaka struggles | OneFootball

Leeds United ended a 45-year league wait at Old Trafford on Monday night, adding to Daniel Farke’s gathering history. Already into their first FA Cup semi-final since 1987, they won it through a Noah Okafor brace.

As reported by yorkshireevenpost.co.uk, Farke selected a front-foot team and embraced risk in and out of possession. The calls paid off despite Anton Stach and Joe Rodon being unavailable.

Across Manchester there were strong complaints about the referee and VAR from the manager, players and ex-players. Bruno Fernandes was booked for dissent and left on the wrong side of history. Michael Carrick’s gripe had merit, but errors and Leeds’ intensity proved decisive.

Leeds being Leeds, they frayed nerves with missed chances before closing it out. A new Okafor chant is circulating on social media and fans hope to belt it out at Elland Road on Saturday. Half-and-half scarves drew scorn, and Rio Ferdinand’s fury at the red card amused the away end.

Off camera, Ethan Ampadu finished crisply in shooting drills, Alex Cairns was beaten a few times and Jayden Bogle misfired. Dominic Calvert-Lewin high-fived a young Leeds mascot, with Brenden Aaronson, James Justin and Joel Piroe also greeting him. Before kick-off Ampadu, Calvert-Lewin and Okafor saluted the away end, Eirik Bakke joked about the team’s energy, Farke alternated demands and approval, Ampadu waved Matheus Cunha up, and after full-time Tanaka looked to be carrying a knock and skipped Sean Longstaff’s run.

Source: yorkshireevenpost.co.uk