United required a tap-in from Deane in the 90th minute to secure a 1-1 draw with Manchester City, but the late intervention did not tell the story of a game which Leeds could have won at a canter.

City's goalkeeper, Tony Coton, turned in an inspired performance – described by United boss Howard Wilkinson as "flawless" – and the hosts took advantage by scoring with only their second clear opportunity, three minutes from time.

Garry Flitcroft converted the rebound after John Lukic had parried Mike Sheron's shot, and it appeared that United's trek across the Pennines was destined to end in defeat.

But Deane, who had scored on the opening afternoon of the previous five seasons, was in the right place to claim a draw for Leeds when a corner from Gary McAllister fell kindly to the striker's feet, leaving him with the simple task of tapping the ball home.

United: Lukic, Kelly, Dorigo, Batty, Fairclough, O'Leary, Strachan (Wallace 71), Whelan, Deane, McAllister, Speed.

Ends