Leeds United produced a momentous away performance to beat Manchester United 2-1. Noah Okafor’s brace proved decisive as Daniel Farke’s side just about held off their 10-man hosts to pull six points clear of the relegation zone with six games to play.
The Whites got off to a perfect start when Okafor reacted quickly to guide home a Jayden Bogle cross inside five minutes, not long after Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed a glorious chance from close range. The same man made it 2-0 just before the half-hour mark with a deflected volley after a big spell of Leeds pressure, with multiple opportunities missed to extend the lead further before half-time.
Manchester United were reduced to 10 men before the hour mark after Lisandro Martinez was punished for pulling Calvert-Lewin’s hair, following a VAR review. The home side pulled one back not long after, however, with Casemiro free at the back post to head home a Bruno Fernandes cross.
YEP chief football writer Graham Smyth was at Old Trafford to watch the action. Here are his Leeds United player ratings...
1. GK: Karl Darlow
8 Let down by his defence for the goal but made some big stops when needed. Distribution was good in the main. | AFP via Getty Images
2. CB: James Justin
9 Solid, reliable, sensible stuff for almost all of the game. Some important headers in the first half. | AFP via Getty Images
3. CB: Jaka Bijol
8 Couldn't get the better of Sesko in the air but made some excellent tackles and interventions. | Getty Images
4. CB: Pascal Struijk
8 Brave in possession in the first half to help Leeds play out through pressure. Some good bits of defending. | AFP via Getty Images
5. RWB: Jayden Bogle
8 Was visibly thriving in the space afforded to him and created some danger. Not perfect defensively but stuck in there. | Getty Images
6. CM: Ethan Ampadu
9 Read the game well, brought physicality and showed his passing range. | AFP via Getty Images