Leeds took a big step towards remaining in the Premier League by defeating Manchester United 2-1 in a thrilling match, suffering Michael Carrick’s first home defeat since taking over.
Noah Okafor scored twice in the first half to seal Leeds’ first league win at Old Trafford since 1981, but Manchester United’s problems worsened after the break when Lisandro Martinez was given a red card for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair.
Casemiro’s header gave the 10-man hope of an emotional comeback and Leeds found themselves in a dangerous situation in the closing stages. Karl Darlow makes a great save from Benjamin Sesco. Calvert-Lewin clears Casemiro’s header on the line. However, Daniel Farke’s team managed to hold on.
Carrick’s side missed a chance to further cement their place in third place, but the night belonged to Leeds. With this victory, the difference between them and Tottenham is six points, with six games remaining. Wolves and Burnley are still scheduled to visit Elland Road, moving closer to survival.
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Gary Neville believes Man United’s defeat to Leeds was a reality check for Michael Carrick’s side.
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Noah Okafor put Leeds United ahead within five minutes against Man United.
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Noah Okafor dominates Manchester United, doubling Leeds United’s lead
How Leeds caused the upset at Old Trafford
Leeds, who had just qualified for the FA Cup semi-finals last weekend, played like a team fighting to stay in the Premier League from the start, especially with Okafor and Calvert-Lewin, and it was too much for Manchester United’s defense to handle.
Calvert-Lewin’s shot was denied by Senne Lamence before Okafor calmly converted Jayden Bogle’s cross to open the scoring, before the player curled in a deflected volley to give Daniel Farke’s side a deserved second goal right in front of the Stretford End.
Carrick’s side had not played for 24 days and were lucky not to concede a third goal before the break, with the returning Martinez pulling off a desperate challenge on the line to thwart Ao Tanaka, who beat Lamence. Leeds were in full swing at that stage.
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Lisandro Martinez sent off after VAR review for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair
Sesco got off to an unusual start and came within a point in the second half with Justin clearing the line, but Martinez’s red card made their task even more difficult. It took a VAR check to catch him pulling Calvert-Lewin’s hair, but there was no escape. It was an unnecessary mistake.
In fact, Manchester United looked better with 10 men, scoring a grandstand finish with an assist from Bruno Fernandes. But somehow, with tensions high and the crowd excited, Leeds secured victory. And neutral teams will be looking forward to watching this game again next season.
Carrick: One of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen.
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick said on Monday Night Football:
“We didn’t start the game particularly well. We conceded a goal because Lenny Yolo hit us with a forearm to the back of the head.
“They didn’t make the decision to turn it around, and that was the big moment of the game. We just didn’t quite get our rhythm and didn’t get going. We had some moments, but we didn’t have that for the majority of the first half.”
“After the shocking decision to send Lisandro (Martinez) off, I thought the players stayed positive and gave their all in the second half.
“It’s the second game in a row that the decision went against us, and that game was one of the worst I’ve ever seen.”
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Manchester United manager Michael Carrick furious at red card
Carrick elaborated on this further in a press conference, saying, “There’s a difference between touching someone like that person has been doing and actually pulling them really aggressively. We’ve seen it at certain points where it’s really highlighted. It’s really alarming.”
“First of all, he got hit with an arm in the face, so he was a bit off balance. I tried to touch him and grabbed his shirt and ended up grabbing him by the ear and touching him behind the ear. Then the bobble came out and I got a red card for that.”
“He’s not aggressive. There’s no pulling. There’s no sudden movement. He’s touching, peeking. If you give him a red card for that, you have to be careful about how the game goes.”
“It’s a shocking decision. Absolutely shocking,” he concluded.
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Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane agree Lisandro Martinez didn’t deserve to be sent off
Calvert-Lewin: That’s a huge accomplishment.
Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin said on Monday Night Football:
“This is a huge result for us. We knew before we went into the game. We came here to win and that’s how we set up and executed our game plan to get the three points.
“It’s important to not read too much into the external noise and stay focused on what’s in front of you.
“It’s easy to come here and make history, but it’s not about accumulating points at the end of the season, that’s all we’re focused on.”
On the red card: “I’m not the one who decides the rules at the end of the day. I thought I might have had my hair pulled, so I told the referee. And the referee makes the decision.”
“It’s unfortunate for him. Whether he meant it or not, I don’t hold any grudges, but it is what it is.”
Falke: We need a few more points.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke said on Monday Night Football:
“Honestly, we should have had a 2-0 lead in the first half.
“Sometimes a red card can change something. We fell asleep on one set-piece and then it was more of Man United’s style and as a newly promoted team it’s difficult to get it over the line.
“Getting our first win here after 40 years is amazing and of course a big step forward. It gives us confidence. A win is always good for that and also for the standings. But performance-wise we should be well over 40 points.”
“We’ve had an incredibly consistent performance, but we can be more effective in both boxes. To do that, the reality is we’re on 36 points and need a few more.”
Ugarte struggles as flaws are exposed
Yoro and Martinez were bullied by Calvert-Lewin, but the bigger lesson for Carrick may be one Old Trafford supporters learned long ago. This was a disgrace to the midfield partnership of Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro.
Koby Mainu spent the first half of the season sitting on the bench under coach Ruben Amorim, waiting in vain for his chance. Nothing speaks more clearly to his turnaround than the fact that United’s resurgence under Carrick unraveled so quickly in his absence.
With Mainu injured, Ugarte and Casemiro resumed a double act last seen in three winless games against Wolves, Leeds and Burnley, but the midway point against those same opponents was Amorim’s last. Will we see the pairing again?
Casemiro has improved a lot, but Ugarte seemed off-pace in his first start under Carrick. The crowd quickly made their displeasure clear as the pass went astray. Leeds found a weak spot and seized on it. It’s a reminder that this midfield needs an overhaul.
