Leeds took a huge step towards Premier League survival by beating Manchester United 2-1 at Old Trafford, handing Michael Carrick his first home defeat in charge.
Noah Okafor struck twice in the first half to put Leeds 2-0 up, the second a deflected volley, after Jayden Bogle’s cross had provided the opener. The victory was Leeds’ first league win at Old Trafford since 1981.
The match turned further in Leeds’ favour when Lisandro Martinez was sent off in the second half following a VAR review that found he had pulled Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair. United rallied after going down to 10 men when Casemiro headed a goal back and a tense finish followed, with Karl Darlow making a key save from Benjamin Sesko and Calvert-Lewin clearing a Casemiro header off the line, but Leeds held on.
The result moves Leeds six points clear of Tottenham with six games remaining and gives Daniel Farke’s side breathing space in their survival fight. United missed the chance to strengthen their hold on third place.
How the game unfolded
Leeds began like a team fighting for survival, with Okafor and Calvert-Lewin causing problems for United’s defence. Calvert-Lewin was denied early by Senne Lammens, but Okafor opened the scoring when he calmly converted Bogle’s cross. He then doubled the lead with a deflected volley that flew into the Stretford End. United were fortunate not to be 3-0 down before halftime after a Martinez block denied Ao Tanaka when Lammens was beaten.
After Martinez’s sending off — awarded following a VAR check for the hair pull on Calvert-Lewin — United, to their credit, pushed on. Bruno Fernandes’ influence helped spark pressure and Casemiro’s header narrowed the deficit, but Leeds defended resolutely to close out the win.
Reactions
Man Utd head coach Michael Carrick, speaking on Monday Night Football, criticised the red card decision. He said United “didn’t start the game particularly well” and described the dismissal of Martinez as “one of the worst I’ve seen,” arguing Martinez’s contact was not aggressive and that VAR rulings were affecting the game.
Calvert-Lewin called the result “massive” for Leeds and said he told the referee about the hair pull. “Whether he meant it or not, I don’t hold grudges,” he added.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke praised the performance but urged realism. “We should have been more than 2-0 up in the first half,” he said, noting a lapse at a set-piece made the finish nervy. “To get a first win here in 40 years is amazing and a big step forward… but we are on 36 points and we need a few more points.”
Tactical and squad notes
Martinez had returned to United’s defence with Harry Maguire suspended, and Manuel Ugarte started his first game under Carrick. United’s midfield pairing of Ugarte and Casemiro, which had earlier been part of a winless run, looked uneven: Carrick defended Ugarte after the match, saying he “did well” especially after the sending-off, but the duo struggled for control in parts of the game. Kobbie Mainoo’s absence through injury left United without another midfield option.
For Leeds, Karl Darlow started in goal over Lucas Perri, and Gabriel Gudmundsson, Brenden Aaronson and Dominic Calvert-Lewin returned to the matchday squad. Noah Okafor was named Player of the Match.
What it means
The upset at Old Trafford reinforces Leeds’ fight for survival and hands United a frustrating night as they look to consolidate a top-three position. The red card for Martinez will dominate post-match debate, but Leeds will take confidence and points as they press toward the end of the season.