In a thrilling match, Leeds United took a significant step towards securing their Premier League survival by defeating Manchester United 2-1 at Old Trafford, with Michael Carrick suffering his first home defeat as manager. Noah Okafor scored twice in the first half, giving Leeds their first league win at Old Trafford since 1981. Manchester United's struggles intensified after the break when Lisandro Martinez was given a red card for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair.
Despite Casemiro's header giving the 10-man team hope for a comeback, Leeds managed to hold on, with Karl Darlow making crucial saves and Calvert-Lewin clearing a header off the line. The win moves Leeds six points clear of Tottenham with six games remaining, bringing them closer to survival. Carrick's team missed the opportunity to solidify their grip on third place, but the night belonged to Leeds. Leeds played aggressively from the start, with Okafor and Calvert-Lewin proving too much for Manchester United's defenders.
Okafor calmly converted Jayden Bogle's cross for the opener and then scored a deflected volley for the second goal. Martinez's return to the team was marked by a desperate challenge near the line to keep out Ao Tanaka, with Lammens beaten. Leeds were dominant at that stage. In the second half, Sesko went close to pulling one back, but Martinez's red card made the task more difficult.
The decision was made after a VAR review, which showed Martinez pulling Calvert-Lewin's hair. Manchester United looked better with 10 men, with Bruno Fernandes' assist setting up a grandstand finish.
However, Leeds secured the win, and the neutrals can look forward to seeing this fixture again next season. Michael Carrick expressed his disappointment with the red card decision, calling it 'shocking' and stating that it was not an aggressive move by Martinez. Dominic Calvert-Lewin said it was a massive result for Leeds and that they executed their game plan.
Daniel Farke, Leeds United boss, said they should have been more than 2-0 up in the first half and that the win gives them confidence. The match highlighted the need for Manchester United to overhaul their midfield, with the partnership between Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro struggling.