WE CAN DO BETTER
United boss Gary McAllister is demanding an improvement from his players ahead of Thursday's Play-Off semi-final second leg showdown at Carlisle.
Macca's men head for Carlisle, trailing 2-1 after Monday's first leg at Elland Road, and the game is simply must-win if United are to stand a chance of reaching the final at Wembley on Sunday week.
Dougie Freedman's late goal was vital in the tie, pictured, and the boss firmly believes his players can perform at a higher level than during the first game.
"I didn't think we did anything well, we can be so much better," he said. "The work rate is there - it wasn't for the lack of effort - but we made some poor decisions and our ball retention was poor.
"All the things I think have improved over the past few months we let ourselves down with. There's so much at stake, but good players learn fast, and they'll take eveything on board and look to improve.
"There was tension in the air, but that comes with Play-Offs and what's at stake. We got a desrerved goal in the end."
With Alan Sheehan serving the final game of his three-match ban, Bradley Johnson, pictured, will continue at left-back at Carlisle on Thursday night.
"He's the best suited at the momemt," explained the boss. "Darren Kenton has an injury, and he gives us a balance because he is naturally let-footed.
"It's a team game and it's a squad game and you have to be able to cope with these things."
Having been favourites going into Monday's first leg, United are now 4/1 to win promotion, and Carlisle are the bookies favourites to win through and secure a place at Wembley.
"I was reading before the game at Elland Road that we were favourites, but they'll be favourites now," said Macca.
"We go in with less pressure and we're underdogs. What we need to do is show a reaction and win the game. It's simple. We have to win. Monday will have hurt their pride.
"I trust the players I have here and we can do better. It's going to be exciting. We have to fully focused and fully concentrated.
"We want to be the team that scores that first goal, but you have to prepare for other side of things as well. If they score early and it's 3-1? Anything can still happen."
United's away record has been terrific this season and the club have lost just once on the road - at Huddersfield - since Gary Mac took over in late January.
"My players have produced some high pressure results on the road," he added. "We are more than capable. We got results at Doncaster, Millwall, and Yeovil so these players know how to play on the road.
"We need someone to get a hold of things. It'll be electric, it'll be exciting, and we're going to go for it."
United will be backed by 1600 fans at Brunton Park - fans without tickets are advised not to make the trip - but live commentary will be broadcast on LUTV.
Fans also have the chance to watch the game on big screens in the Banqueting Suite at Elland Road.
Admission is free, doors open at 5.30pm, and all who enter will be entered into a free draw to win a pair of tickets for the final should we get there.
