Carrick expects intense Elland Road test as United seek a response

Michael Carrick has warned Manchester United to expect a “very tough game” at Leeds, with the head coach pointing to Elland Road’s noise and intensity as his side try to return to Premier League winning ways after their midweek disappointment against Atlético de Madrid.

Speaking to MUTV at Carrington, Carrick praised Leeds manager Daniel Farke and said his team had become dangerous and consistent. Leeds started the league campaign unbeaten before losing 2-1 at Arsenal last weekend. Carrick felt they played well in that match and may have been unlucky to leave without a point.

“It's a special game, going to Elland Road,” Carrick said. “It's where it brings everything out in you. All the senses are alive, the noise, the atmosphere, the intensity, everything's there.”

The setting will be familiar to Carrick, but not from the United dugout. His only visit to Elland Road as a United player came in 2011, when he was part of the team that won 3-0 in a League Cup tie. Sunday will be his first time facing Leeds there as United head coach.

United took one point from their two meetings with Farke’s side last season, adding weight to Carrick’s warning. Leeds sit seventh with nine points from six games, according to the canonical article, and will play in front of the home crowd Carrick expects to be fully engaged.

Carrick said his players had trained and were in “really good spirits” following the midweek setback. He added that the squad felt positive and would travel together to Leeds to push for a result. His comments make clear that United’s response will be tested not only by the opposition, but by the intensity of the occasion.

The match kicks off at 14:00 BST on Sunday, 18 October. For Carrick, it will be a first Elland Road visit from the United dugout; for his players, it is a chance to turn a positive week of training into a result against a side that took points off them in both league meetings last season.