The Whites will take on the Red Devils on Wednesday at Ullevaal Stadion in the first pre-season friendly of the summer. The first tranche of Leeds players returned for testing and training last Monday and that group is expected to provide the bulk of Farke’s starters in the mid-week game. A second batch of arrivals, including some of those who tasted international action this summer, are due back on Monday July 9 for their own medical tests, bleep tests and initial fitness training work. The YEP understands, however, that the likes of Max Wober and Daniel James could find themselves on the plane to Oslo with Farke asking for seats on the plane to be kept open as decisions are taken on who goes and who stays back to work on their conditioning.
Luis Sinisterra has returned to full training but is still in the early days and may not be risked, while both Tyler Adams and Jack Harrison are expected to get involved much later in the pre-season programme as they continue to work their way back from injuries.
The game against Manchester United will be a chance for the younger element of Farke’s squad to stake a claim, particularly as Leeds are yet to move in the transfer window for incoming business. Robin Koch, Diego Llorente and Brenden Aaronson have all secured loan moves away from the club for the upcoming season and further departures are expected. Both Marc Roca and Junior Firpo are also likely to leave and having missed some of the first week’s full training sessions through niggles they are unlikely to make appearances against Manchester United.
Question marks remain over the future of others in the squad, including last season’s top goalscorer Rodrigo who has already had expressions of interest from abroad. The Spaniard was initially scheduled to return on July 9, alongside Rasmus Kristensen, but it is not yet known if the plan is for both men to join up with Farke for the first friendly of his managerial tenure.
Other fringe players, such as Ian Poveda and some of those who were out on loan last season, returned last week and have been involved with first team training as they attempt to impress the new manager and secure a place in his plans.
13. Archie Gray
The precocious talent is almost certainly going to make his first team debut this season. Injuries prevented him from building up to that moment last term. He's a likely addition to the plane in midweek. Pic: Warren Little/Getty Photo: Warren Little
14. Sam Greenwood
Greenwood's versatility makes him a useful man to have around when the squad is in a state of flux, he could cover an attacking role or a midfield position for Farke. Pic: Getty/Gareth Copley Photo: Gareth Copley
15. Joe Gelhardt
The League One loan stint at Sunderland did not yield the kind of return he wanted but it was useful experience and he is expected to play a part this season at Leeds. Pic: Getty Photo: George Wood
16. Georginio Rutter
A player 49ers Enterprises believe will still come good for Leeds after that difficult initial four-month spell. Farke might use him a wide position, as proposed in his interview presentation. Pic: Getty/Stu Forster Photo: Stu Forster
17. Luis Sinisterra
Sinisterra returned to full training on Friday so he won't be ready for a huge chunk of minutes. If Leeds do take him to Oslo he may only feature briefly. They'll be taking it steady given his injury record. Pic: Getty/Stu Forster Photo: Stu Forster
18. Daniel James
Daniel James is set to return for pre-season testing on Monday but could find himself on the plane to Oslo as Farke takes a look at the late returnees. James is expected to play a part in this season's plans. Pic: Getty/Matt McNulty Photo: Matt McNulty