Leeds have 10 points after seven Premier League matches, with some fans dreaming of what might be

Leeds United are already a quarter of the way to their season goal of 40 points with less than a fifth, or 18.4% to be precise, of the Premier League campaign played.

That Sunday’s draw with Manchester United came as a disappointment to many Whites faithful shows the new-found expectation on a team which has only been back in the top flight for 14 months.

Just one loss so far only bolsters the hopes of those enthused by the dream of finishing inside a European qualification spot. Leeds are actually only two points better off than at this point last season.

Back then, the goal was 38 points. In the end, 40 points would be needed for survival in what was a rare high-tally relegation battle compared to previous seasons.

United finished some eight points clear of the drop zone come May. Internally, the aim for this season is set at 40 points - seven fewer than their tally of last season.

Chairman Paraag Marathe has made clear that Leeds need three full seasons in the top tier to be able to class themselves as established. Season one is done and season two is looking good so far at this early stage. But Leeds do not wish to count their chickens before they’ve hatched.

At the same time, 40 points is far too low a target given the prospects of this side, something the board will quietly know. That benchmark is a sensible one, but amidst the current status quo few supporters are buying that as the ultimate target.

Sure, surviving relegation has to be the main aim but anything below the 14th position Leeds managed last season would be a disappointment given the growth of the team and the investment plugged into it.

Supporters are confident. The air of expectation at Elland Road on Sunday perhaps fed into the tetchy phases of play from the hosts on the pitch yet a draw only helps Leeds’ cause.

Currently, they are tracking a rate that will see them reach 54 points. Last season, that would have been enough for a Europa League spot. As such, given the start of the new campaign, fans are overwhelmingly assured Leeds will reach their 40-point target.

More than 2,000 voted in a Leeds Live poll asking them how sure they were of hitting that mark. A majority of 62% selected the option of ‘very confident’ while a significant portion of 31% said they were ‘pretty confident’.

Just six per cent said they were unsure while only one per cent said ‘not confident’. Out of all of the votes, none selected ‘not confident at all’.

A win for Leeds away at Sunderland - who travel to Poland to face Lech Poznan in the Europa League on Thursday - next Sunday would see Leeds up to 13 points and essentially a third of the way to 40.

Daniel Farke and the board will not change their stance on aiming higher until the goal is reached. But the start to the season has Leeds fans dreaming of what might be.