Daniel Farke’s side picked up 90 points during the regular campaign but that was still not enough for automatic promotion due to the returns of second-placed Ipswich Town and champions Leicester City. It meant United’s bid for promotion went to the play-offs which again ended in tears for Leeds as Farke’s side were beaten 1-0 in last Sunday’s Wembley final against Southampton.
After the 3-1 win at home to Hull City on April 1, five of United’s final nine games including the play-offs ended in defeat, starting with a 2-1 loss at Coventry City and crucially ending with the Wembley play-off final itself. But the Whites had gone on an unbeaten run of 15 games before falling to defeat at Coventry as part of a season which featured four victories both home and away against promoted pair Leicester and Ipswich.
Ultimately, though, Leeds remain in the Championship and, here Leeds United writer Lee Sobot gives every player a mark out of ten for this season’s contributions as a one-off score but not the ‘average’ mark based on the match by match official YEP ratings.
19. Jaidon Anthony
6/10. A very difficult season for the Bournemouth loanee, the hardest year of his life as his mother so sadly passed away. Deserves enormous credit for returning to play so soon after the tragic news. Couldn't really get going but no doubting the talent is there. Photo: George Wood
20. Dan James
8/10. End product was always the bug question mark but 13 goals and seven assists was the perfect answer to that and a heroic display in the play-off final, soldiering on despite a very nasty clash of heads and cut. Photo: Richard Sellers
21. Mateo Joseph
7/10. A huge young talent and massive case of what if, what if he was even given one league start? Incredibly, he is still awaiting one despite nearly always impressing when coming off the bench. Photo: John Walton
22. Joe Gellhardt
5/10. Very limited chances and now seemingly also behind Joseph in the striker pecking order. Photo: George Wood
23. Karl Darlow
5/10. Brought in as competition for Meslier but just two league outings when Meslier was sent off and suspended and both of those ended in defeat at West Brom at Preston. Photo: George Wood
24. Kristoffer Klaesson
6/10. Just the one league outing in the clash at home to Birmingham in which he kept a clean sheet. Has always produced when called upon. Photo: George Wood