Why Sean Longstaff was in Leeds United’s squad to face Manchester United | OneFootball

Sean Longstaff’s surprise presence in Leeds United’s squad to face Manchester United was about leadership as much as fitness, with Ethan Ampadu suspended after his fifth booking against Liverpool.

According to Leedsunited.news, Daniel Farke had initially ruled the midfielder out for four to six weeks with a calf injury, and Sunday was the eighth game of that spell. Farke prefers players to train before selection, so he limited Longstaff to a dressing-room role.

On the pitch, Leeds led just after the hour through an inspired Brenden Aaronson and created chances to finish it. Dominic Calvert-Lewin hit the post and Noah Okafor went close, leaving Farke less than delighted with the result.

Farke said: We even had Sean Longstaff back in the squad but normally I would never do this after such a long-term injury and without a proper team session, but I wanted his personality and maturity in the dressing room.

Longstaff sustained the calf problem after the defeat to Aston Villa at Elland Road, when Morgan Rogers scored twice. The 3-2 loss to Man City that followed preceded a run in which Farke’s side have stayed unbeaten, achieved without Longstaff.

Having missed eight games, Longstaff has watched from the sidelines and will be eager to contribute once fully fit. Newcastle are next on Wednesday.

Source: Leedsunited.news