Patrick Bamford opens up on goals tally target and message from Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani

Bamford has gone two matches without scoring but the Whites no 9 has been taken off in both of United's last two fixtures in the 45th and 65th minute.

The striker was replaced by Rodrigo five minutes after the hour in the 2-1 victory at home to Sheffield United and Bamford then found himself sacrificed in first half stoppage time of last weekend's clash at Manchester City as Leeds went down to ten men.

United captain Liam Cooper was eventually shown a straight red card for his high follow-through to a challenge on Gabriel Jesus and Whites head Marcelo Bielsa quickly looked to bring on a replacement centre-back.

Pascal Struijk swiftly appeared stripped on the sidelines and Bamford was taken off as Leeds looked to protect their 1-0 lead en route to a remarkable 2-1 victory via a Stuart Dallas brace.

It means Bamford remains on 14 goals for the Premier League campaign with seven games left but the Whites no 9 is still targeting a return of 20.

Bamford is currently joint-fourth in the division's Golden Boot race as Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-Min have also both scored 14 each, two behind Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes who is a clear third on 16.

Tottenham's Harry Kane and Liverpool's Mo Salah lead the way on 19 apiece.

Speaking on the Official Leeds United Podcast, Bamford was asked what his target was and quipped: "It depends if I last the 90s or not.

"I'm going to be honest. I'm still trying to hit 20.

"I know that's a lot, six in seven, but for me to hit 20 goals in the Premier League, whether I do it or I don't, that has got to be the aim."

Bamford also revealed he had received a message from Whites chairman Andrea Radrizzani for taking one for the team against City.

Bamford said: "I actually got a message as well from Andrea saying 'thank you, thank you, you sacrificed yourself for the team, well done.'

"I was like 'I did not choose to come off!'

"But I was like for a good cause, great, great win!"

Reflecting on the realisation that he was coming off, Bamford recalled: "Coops had just been sent off and he was obviously arguing a bit with the ref and then he decided to walk off.

"I was like 'Coops, take your time, just walk off slow, give us chance to get ready for this set piece.'

"He was like 'yeah cool.'

"I have got back in position and Bill (Luke Ayling) has gone 'Pat, it's you.'

"I was like 'what?'

"I have looked over at the board and I couldn't quite see because of the sun.

"I thought it said 8 but obviously we haven't got a no 8 so I was like 9, no way, and the manager shouted yes Pat you!"

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Thank you Laura Collins