Manor Solomon’s reaction to his substitution during Leeds United’s recent 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers has highlighted the determination and passion he brings to the team. The Spurs loanee has been one of Leeds’ standout players in recent weeks, and his frustration at being taken off during a critical match reflects his desire to contribute as much as possible to the Whites’ promotion push. This season, Solomon has scored three goals and provided five assists in 19 Championship appearances, cementing his status as one of Daniel Farke’s key attacking players.
The Blackburn game itself was a frustrating one for Leeds, who saw their lead at the top of the Championship table shrink to just one point. Solomon was arguably Leeds’ best attacking threat on the day, constantly troubling Blackburn’s full-backs and delivering dangerous crosses into the box. His performance was noted by many, including LUTV commentator Tony Dorigo, who was visibly surprised by Farke’s decision to substitute Solomon. Dorigo commented at the time: “Solomon? Wow, okay. Just thought Solomon was the one, putting in some fantastic crosses in. But we have the attacking cavalry on now.”
Farke’s reasoning for the substitution was tactical—he wanted to adjust the shape and introduce two strikers in the box to press for a winner. While this decision was logical from a strategic standpoint, it meant taking off a player who had been Leeds’ primary creative outlet in the match. Solomon himself admitted that he was frustrated by the decision but has shown maturity in how he handled the situation. Speaking to The Athletic, Solomon said: “In the Blackburn game, I was dangerous, I was helping the team and I want to get the goal or to assist. I really wanted to win this game and to take three points in a really difficult game. When I was subbed off, I was pretty frustrated because I want to be there on the pitch to help my team and to help the players, but this is the manager’s decision and you have to respect it. That’s OK.”
Interestingly, Solomon revealed that he and Farke did not discuss the issue immediately after the match. However, he praised Farke’s openness to dialogue, adding: “At this point, I didn’t speak to the manager, but at some point, you can speak with the manager. Our manager is really open. His door is always open and I’ve had some really good conversations with him, in good periods, and in bad periods.” This openness could be crucial in maintaining a strong relationship between Solomon and Farke, especially as the pressure of the promotion race intensifies.
Leeds have had a tough start to 2025, drawing their first two games of the year against Blackburn Rovers and Hull City. While remaining at the top of the table is a positive, these dropped points have tightened the race for automatic promotion, leaving no room for error. With a home game against Harrogate Town in the FA Cup next, Farke has a chance to rest some of his key players, including Solomon, and give opportunities to lesser-seen names in the squad. However, the focus will quickly return to the league, where Leeds face another challenging but winnable game against Sheffield Wednesday on January 19th.
Looking back, Farke may question whether substituting Solomon in the Blackburn game was the right call, given how the game unfolded. However, his tactical approach shows a manager who is willing to make bold decisions for the benefit of the team. On the other hand, Solomon’s professionalism and his ability to channel his frustration constructively speak volumes about his character and commitment to Leeds United.
As Leeds navigate the remainder of the season, Solomon’s form and contributions will be vital. His ability to create and score goals has been a significant factor in Leeds’ push for promotion, and his hunger to stay on the pitch and make a difference is exactly what the team needs in these critical months. With Farke at the helm and players like Solomon stepping up, Leeds remain well-positioned to achieve their ultimate goal of returning to the Premier League. However, the margins are tight, and every decision—from substitutions to squad rotation—will be scrutinized as the season progresses. Solomon’s response to adversity and his continued performances will likely play a pivotal role in how Leeds’ campaign unfolds.
“Frustrated Manor Solomon Breaks Silence on Tense Moment with Daniel Farke After Leeds vs. Blackburn Substitution!”