FIVE-POINT PLAN

1 GRAB A GOALSCORER

The one consistent criticism Bielsa has made of his team is their “lack of efficiency” in needing a dozen or more chances to score one goal. Patrick Bamford was so vital to United’s overall play that Bielsa was loath to drop his favoured striker for loanees Eddie Nketiah or Jean- Kevin Augustin. But, aside from the everlasting discussion over Bamford’s finishing – and his 16 goals did come from a total xg of 35 ( thirty- five) – there is a bigger issue: Bielsa prefers a small squad. Even so, he needs to diversify his top- flight options.

2 TUNE UP THE DEFENCE

A serious knee injury for Gaetano Berardi in the penultimate game means the defence is as light on numbers as the attack. With brilliant loanee Ben White no longer an option, Leeds went into pre- season with Liam Cooper their only senior central defender. Fans would sell every possession if it meant the outstanding 22- year- old, White, played for the club next season – one five- year- old offered his life savings of £ 15.07 – so whoever comes in will have big boots to fill.

3 REPLACE PABLO HERNANDEZ

Or better still: find some sort of anti- ageing treatment so he can carry on nutmegging forever. In times of trouble, Leeds have been able to give the ball to El Mago and let him win the game – he contributed another 18 goals and assists in the second tier last term. At the age of 35, though, the magician needs an assistant.

4 LET YOUTH SHINE

Thorp Arch has a claim for being the most productive academy in the country, but in 2019- 20 there was less emphasis on youngsters as senior players fought for promotion. Fans would like to see more of Jamie Shackleton, Robbie Gotts, Jordan Stevens and the rest.

5 ENJOY IT

Leeds United vs Liverpool. Leeds United vs Manchester City. Leeds United vs the other Manchester club. It has taken 16 years to replace Carlisle, Oldham and Crewe on the club’s fixture list. Leeds are back and ready to revel in every second of it.