Why Leeds United chief Daniel Farke left Daniel James out of his starting XI against Luton Town

Manager Daniel Farke has explained why he decided to leave Daniel James out of his starting line-up in Leeds United's convincing home win over Luton Town.

United moved back to the top of the Championship after racking up a sixth successive home win. Full-back Sam Byram gave them an early lead, scoring his first goal of the season in spectacular fashion. His scissor-kick volley was a thing of beauty.

Top-scorer Joel Piroe doubled their advantage on the stroke of half-time. The Dutch forward slammed in his seventh goal of the season after Thomas Kaminski could only parry Pascal Struijk's header from a Joe Rothwell corner.

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The hosts were forced to wait until the 81st minute to put the contest out of Luton's reach. Substitute James latched onto Jayden Bogle's inch perfect through ball before expertly lifting the ball over the advancing Kaminski. Farke opted to drop James to the bench, despite his outstanding showing in Sunday's away win at Swansea City. Wilfried Gnonto was given the nod on the right flank.

Farke pointed to United's busy schedule as the reason for not starting James. Saturday's trip to Blackburn Rovers will be their third match in the space of six days. Farke is eager to keep his players "sharp" and said quick players such as James "need to be managed against reinjury".

Highlighting that James was the only winger to play 90 minutes in South Wales last weekend, Farke expected a "deep-lying opponent" and felt it would not suit the Wales international.

"He needs space," stressed Farke, who confirmed Sam Byram was subbed off due to a hamstring complaint. "Daniel came in fresh and killed the game."

Farke added that United "cannot afford to lose" James to injury again.