Daniel Farke hailed Leeds’ historic 2-1 win against Manchester United on Monday as “big step forward” in their fight for Premier League survival.

Leeds earned its first league victory at Old Trafford since 1981 thanks to Noah Okafor’s first-half double.

United had Lisandro Martinez sent off for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair in the second half before Casemiro’s header set up a frantic finale.

A pair of goal-line clearances in the closing moments ensured Leeds was able to hold on to celebrate its first league win over United since 2002 and its first in any competition since 2010.

It was a vital triumph for Farke’s side, lifting it six points clear of the relegation zone with six games left.

“Proud of the boys. Fantastic performance. We are in the crunch time of the season, and it’s important to keep your nerves and stick to your plan,” Farke said.

“I think the first half was fantastic, we should have been higher up than 2-0, we missed many, many chances.

“We were a bit sleepy at one set-piece. United is a side packed with top-class players, which can bring quality from the bench later in the game.

“It’s difficult to bring it over the line as a newly-promoted side. Big compliment to the whole group.”

Farke claimed Leeds’ impressive performance in its first league win in seven games underlined why it should be higher in the table.

“It’s a sign of why we should be in a much better position performance-wise,” he said.

“This team has performed over the whole season with unbelievable consistency. A win is always good for the mood, for confidence. Also for the table.

“I think it’s the first win here for over forty years. It’s amazing, and of course a big step forward.”

In its first season back in the Premier League after promotion from the Championship, Leeds is on course to preserve its top-flight status.

It also has its first FA Cup semifinal appearance since 1987 to look forward to against Chelsea at Wembley on April 26.

“We have to stay humble. We are not perfect. We are not the finished, end product,” Farke said. “We are on a good path, on the way to achieving something really positive this season.”

Published on Apr 14, 2026