AFCON 2025
Two goals from former AC Milan forward Noah Okafor sealed a famous win for Leeds United over bitter rivals Manchester United on Monday night at Old Trafford.
Daniel Farke’s men avoided defeat against the Red Devils for the first time since the 1994/1995 season as they go six points clear of the drop zone.
Leeds United came into the tie on the back of knocking Westham United out of the FA Cup and also seeking their second away win of the season.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin sent earlier signals of Leeds’ intention to wreak havoc as he forced a save from Senne Lemmens in the opening minutes.
Manchester United ignored the warning and got punished two minutes later as Noah Okafor unleashed a first-time shot into the bottom of the net.
The Swiss-Nigerian forward doubled the lead before the half-hour mark with a shot from the edge of the box off a deflection.
Manchester United’s night went from bad to worse as Lisandro Martinez picked up a red card for a violent challenge on Calvert-Lewin.
Matheus Cunha forced a save from Karl Darlow as the Brazilian forward attempted to bury a left-footed strike into the bottom corner.
Casemiro’s header from Bruno Fernandes’ cross halved the deficit for Michael Carrick’s men with 20 minutes left on the clock.
Karl Darlow reacted quickly to thwart Benjamin Sesko’s header from landing inside the net as Manchester United piled the pressure on Leeds despite being a man down.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin practically won the game for Leeds United as the Englishman cleared Casemiro’s header off the line late in the tie.
The win moves Leeds United to 15th on the log with 36 points while Manchester United remain third with 55 points as they continue their chase for Champions League football.
