Leeds United defeated Manchester United 2-1 at Old Trafford, with Noah Okafor scoring both goals for Leeds in a dominant first half. The victory is significant for Leeds in their relegation battle.
Player Ratings: Noah Okafor shines as Leeds United stun Manchester United
Manchester United were caught cold at Old Trafford as Leeds United delivered a statement performance, securing a 2-1 victory that will resonate deep into the relegation battle. The visitors struck inside five minutes, Noah Okafor finishing with confidence to silence the home crowd and set the tone.
Leeds doubled their advantage before the interval, again through Okafor, whose effort took a deflection off Leny Yoro before nestling in the corner. It was a first half defined by urgency from Leeds and a lack of composure from Manchester United, who struggled to find rhythm or authority in possession.
The contest turned on a moment of indiscipline from Lisandro Martinez shortly after the restart. Returning from injury, the defender saw red following a VAR review for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewinâs hair. Reduced to ten men, Manchester United might have folded, yet instead they found a response.
Casemiro gave the hosts hope with a well taken header on 69 minutes, assisted by Bruno Fernandes, who continues to pile up contributions in a remarkable campaign. Despite the numerical disadvantage, United pressed forward with intent, forcing Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow into action.
Photo: IMAGO
There were opportunities for an equaliser, most notably when Benjamin Sesko was denied twice in quick succession, first by Darlow and then by a goal line clearance from Calvert-Lewin. It summed up the night for Manchester United, flashes of quality but not enough precision when it mattered.
Leeds, disciplined and organised, held firm in the closing stages. Their defensive shape remained intact, and they managed the game with maturity, securing a vital three points that moves them further clear of danger.
For Manchester United, the defeat raises questions about consistency, particularly at home. They remain third, yet the gap to those below feels less secure with crucial fixtures ahead. Attention now turns to their upcoming clash with Chelsea, where response will be essential.
Leeds United, meanwhile, will take immense confidence from this result. Winning at Old Trafford for the first time in decades represents more than just three points, it is a sign of resilience and belief at a decisive stage of the season.
Manchester United:
Senne Lammens 6, Noussas Mazraoui 5, Leny Yoro 6, Lisandro Martinez 4, Luke Shaw 6, Casemiro 7, Manuel Ugarte 6, Bruno Fernandes 6, Matheus Cunha 6, Amad Diallo 5, Benjamin Sesko 5
Leeds United:
Karl Darlow 7, Jayden Bogle 7, James Justin 6, Jaka Bijol 6, Pascal Struijk 7, Gabriel Gudmundsson 7, Ao Tanaka 8, Ethan Ampadu 7, Brenden Aaronson 7, Noah Okafor 9, Dominic Calvert-Lewin 6
Noah Okafor scored both goals for Leeds within the first half, leading to a 2-1 victory over Manchester United.
The victory against Manchester United is crucial for Leeds United as it boosts their chances of avoiding relegation.
Noah Okafor scored both goals for Leeds United in their 2-1 win over Manchester United.
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