Leeds United are fighting to rewrite their own narrative, and the past eight days have given them the script to do it. After reaching their first FA Cup semi-final since 1987 with a penalty shootout victory over West Ham, Daniel Farke's side traveled to Old Trafford and came away with a 2-1 win — their first league triumph on that ground in 45 years.
"I'm pretty tired, like after the FA Cup game, but I'm pretty relieved," Farke told BBC Radio Leeds. "I'm unbelievably proud of the boys, what a week we've had!"
The German manager was eager to address the long-standing perception that his club buckles under pressure. "We are working to get rid of this old narrative that 'Leeds are falling apart again.' We want to deliver when it counts," he said. The result lifts Leeds six points clear of the Premier League's bottom three, a margin that offers breathing room but not yet safety.
Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin struck a cautious tone despite the euphoria. "It is a really good feeling. I'm probably not as high as you would think because we still have a job to do," he said. "We can be proud of ourselves because it has gone down in the history books, but I'm focused on making sure we are mathematically safe."
Defender James Justin echoed that sentiment, already turning his attention to this weekend's fixture against Wolves. He reserved special praise for the traveling supporters. "The travelling fans were probably the loudest I've ever heard them. I can only take my hat off to the support we get from them," he said, before adding with a knowing smile: "People are always telling me Leeds don't do things the easy way."
For a club that has spent much of the season looking nervously over its shoulder, this week may prove to be the turning point. But as Farke made clear, the celebrations will have to wait. "Nothing is achieved yet, so we have no reason not to stay grounded, humble and hungry."
