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Catch up with all the action from Manchester United vs Leeds in the Premier League
Manchester United suffered a damaging 2-1 loss to Leeds at Old Trafford, denting their top-four hopes but giving the visitors a massive boost in their bid to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
Leeds stun United with ruthless first-half display
The tone was set early, and it was Leeds who seized the initiative inside five minutes. A sharp move down the right saw a low cross cause confusion in the United defence, allowing Noah Okafor to ghost in and finish.
Leeds continued to carve out opportunities, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Gabriel Gudmundsson both going close. The visitors’ dominance was eventually rewarded again in the 29th minute, albeit with a slice of fortune.
After a scramble on the edge of the box, Okafor struck a volley from distance that deflected off a defender and wrong-footed the goalkeeper, doubling Leeds’ advantage.
At 2-0, Leeds were in complete control. United offered little in response, with chances for Benjamin Sesko and Amad Diallo came and went without seriously troubling the Leeds goal, and the half ended with the visitors on top.
Red card turns contest but United respond
Manchester United emerged after the break with greater urgency, but any hopes of a comeback were dealt a significant blow in the 56th minute. Lisandro Martínez was shown a straight red card following a VAR review for an off-the-ball incident involving Calvert-Lewin.
Leeds looked to capitalise on their extra man, creating several openings that could have put the game beyond doubt. Calvert-Lewin went close with a header, while Jayden Bogle spurned a clear opportunity on the counterattack.
However, United found a lifeline in the 69th minute through a familiar combination. Bruno Fernandes delivered a cross to the far post, where Casemiro rose to power a header into the net.
The goal injected some much-needed belief into the home side and ignited the Old Trafford crowd, setting up a tense finale.
Late pressure falls short as Leeds hold firm
Despite being reduced to ten men, United pushed forward relentlessly in search of an equaliser. Fernandes continued to orchestrate attacks, while substitutes added fresh energy in the final stages.
A series of corners and crosses caused panic in the Leeds defence, with Casemiro coming closest again only to see his header cleared off the line by Calvert-Lewin.
Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow produced several key saves to keep his side ahead.
Even in stoppage time, the hosts threatened. A looping header and a crowded goalmouth scramble nearly resulted in a dramatic equaliser, but the offside flag and resolute defending ensured Leeds held on.
