Roy Keane makes Leeds claim after 6-2 defeat

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Roy Keane has told Sky Sports (broadcast on 20/12; 19:05) that Leeds United have done outstandingly well this season, and insisted that he loves the style of play from Marcelo Bielsa’s men.

The Whites were dealt their biggest blow since promotion on Sunday. They were beaten 6-2 at Old Trafford, with Manchester United storming into a 4-0 lead during the first-half.

There were obviously some alarming signs for Leeds. Their defending was incredibly poor at times. And they put themselves in trouble on a number of occasions.

Despite dominating possession, they managed to make a number of errors when passing out from the back. And that led to an emphatic defeat.

Some may be wondering whether it is going to be a pivotal moment for Bielsa’s men. But Keane insisted that he expects Leeds to stay up comfortably. He was then asked about their brand of football.

“The key for Leeds is survival,” he told Sky Sports. “And with the points total they have so far, I think it’s been outstanding. I think Leeds will be fine.

“I love it. I think it’s brilliant. We talk about sport being entertainment and that’s what they did today. And they’ve had a lesson from Man United, but Man United are a very, very good team. But overall, that manager, we’re talking about changing his ways, but his belief is what makes him a great coach.”

TBR View: Leeds have point to prove after loss

The wounds from Sunday’s loss are going to take some time to heal. And it seems fair to say that Leeds may now have to silence more doubters than at any other point since their promotion.

But the Whites have bounced back from setbacks already this season. They were outstanding in their 5-2 win over Newcastle in midweek.

Of course, the opposition makes the latest performance a particularly bitter pill to swallow. But Leeds fans will have known that there were going to be bumps in the road.

That is perhaps the price they have to pay as they enjoy what is becoming one of the most exciting periods in their history.