Leeds shock Man U at Old Trafford with 2-1 victory to boost survival hopes

Leeds United stunned Manchester United with their first league win at Old Trafford since 1981, securing a vital 2-1 victory that lifted them further away from the relegation zone and handed Michael Carrick his first home defeat as United manager. Minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe watched on grimly from the directors’ box as United delivered a dismal first-half performance. Leeds took full advantage, striking early through Noah Okafor, who fired in a crisp first-time finish after just five minutes.

In a match reported by theBBC Sports, the visitors doubled their lead before the break when Okafor’s shot deflected off Leny Yoro and into the corner, silencing the home crowd. United’s troubles worsened early in the second half when defender Lisandro Martínez — making his return after two months out injured — was sent off following a VAR review for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair. The red card appeared to jolt United into life.

Casemiro halved the deficit, finishing from a Bruno Fernandes cross that brought the midfielder’s assist tally to 17 for the season — just three shy of the Premier League single-season record. Despite being a man down, United pushed hard for an equaliser. Benjamin Šeško was twice denied in quick succession, first by goalkeeper Karl Darlow and then by Calvert-Lewin’s goal-line clearance.

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But the breakthrough never came. The defeat leaves United under pressure as they prepare to visit Chelsea on Saturday. A loss at Stamford Bridge could leave them just four points ahead of Leroy Rosenior’s unpredictable side with five games to go.

Harry Maguire may also miss the match if disciplinary reviews go against him. Leeds, meanwhile, face bottom-placed Wolves at Elland Road in their next outing. Victory there could move them nine points clear of the drop zone before any of their relegation rivals play. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

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