Noel Whelan

Sat 19 February 2022 11:00, UK

Noel Whelan has tipped Stuart Dallas to start for Leeds United against Manchester United despite his injury concerns.

The former Leeds striker and club ambassador, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Whites need the 30-year-old midfielder’s experience against the Red Devils.

As confirmed by Marcelo Bielsa at his pre-match press conference on Friday (18 February), Dallas is “recovering” and has not been ruled out of Sunday’s clash.

Northern Ireland international limped off in the opening 10 minutes against Everton.

Notably, Dallas was videoed in first-team training in a video posted by Leeds on Twitter on Friday evening.

Asked if he thought Bielsa would be willing to take the risk and start Dallas, Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “We’re going to need as many experienced and the best players that we can put out there on the field against a strong Man United side.

“Stuart Dallas is one player that is very consistent in performances and has been there ever-present for the past two, three seasons. He has hardly missed a game.

“I think it’s key that we have Stuart Dallas in the side, not only for his experience but the energy, the quality and the forward running he brings to that side.

“It’s imperative that we have that out there on Sunday afternoon. I think Dallas can be pivotal in any game.

“You need experienced heads out there. It’s not only just about performance, it’s about managing your emotions in games like this.

“It’s going to be very rapturous around the stadium, outside the stadium. People know what this game means. It’s the first game that we look for when the fixture list comes out.

“It’s a lot about discipline and controlling the motions on the day. Finding and keeping that level head to pull out a performance.”

Dallas has featured in all of Leeds’ Premier League games this season.

He has one goal and one assist under his belt so far.

In other news, “bizarre” Bielsa decision could “haunt” Leeds United.