Manchester United lost their second Premier League game under Michael Carrick as Leeds United secured a remarkable 2-1 triumph at Old Trafford on Monday evening.
The victory ended a 45-year wait for victory at the Theatre of Dreams in the Premier League as Daniel Farke’s side produced a stunning display that left the home supporters stunned into silence.
Noah Okafor proved the hero for the visitors, netting twice before the interval to give Leeds complete control of the contest.
The Swiss forward opened the scoring inside five minutes when Jayden Bogle’s cross was only partially cleared by Leny Yoro, allowing Okafor to finish with composure.
He doubled the advantage shortly before the half-hour mark with a sweetly struck volley that deflected off Yoro and nestled into the corner.
Roy Keane offered a damning assessment at half-time: “Manchester Utd will be delighted it is only two. Leeds have been fantastic.”
The match took a dramatic turn in the 55th minute when Lisandro Martinez was dismissed following a VAR intervention.
Referee Paul Tierney was directed to the pitchside monitor to review an incident involving the Argentine defender and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 55th minute when Lisandro Martinez was dismissed following a VAR intervention
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REUTERS
Replays revealed Martinez had tugged the Leeds striker’s ponytail while the pair contested an aerial ball, and the official had little choice but to produce a red card.
The decision drew comparisons with Michael Keane’s January dismissal for a similar offence against Wolves’ Tolu Arokodare.
Martinez, who had only recently returned from a five-game absence through injury, appeared bewildered as he departed the pitch.
Manchester United have previously lodged complaints with referees’ chief Howard Webb regarding decisions this campaign, and Michael Carrick’s frustration was evident.
Manchester United lost their second Premier League game under Michael Carrick
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REUTERS
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Manchester United rallied in the 69th minute when Casemiro powered a header into the far corner from Bruno Fernandes’ delivery.
The Brazilian midfielder found himself unmarked at the back post, converting what was Fernandes’ 17th assist of the campaign.
Suddenly, the hosts sensed an unlikely comeback was possible, and Leeds were forced into desperate rearguard action.
Karl Darlow produced several crucial saves to deny Benjamin Sesko, while Calvert-Lewin made a vital headed clearance off his own goal line to prevent Casemiro from grabbing an equaliser.
Leeds United secured a remarkable 2-1 triumph over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday evening
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GETTY
The closing stages descended into chaos as seven minutes of added time were announced, with Leeds camped in their own penalty area.
Goalkeeper Senne Lammens even ventured forward for a final free-kick, but the visitors held firm.
The victory represents a monumental boost to Leeds’ survival prospects, lifting them six points clear of Tottenham in 18th position with six matches remaining.
For Manchester United, the defeat compounds a difficult period as they remain third but now find Aston Villa level on goal difference and Liverpool just three points adrift.
United now face a crucial trip to Chelsea on Saturday.
