Rivals Leeds United and Manchester United drew 1-1 at Elland Road on Sunday in an entertaining, end-to-end game.
WATCH — Full match replay
USMNT playmaker Brenden Aaronson gave Leeds the advantage in the second half but Matheus Cunha equalized for Man United almost right away. Cunha hit the post late on and both Okafor and Piroe went close to winning it for Leeds, but a draw was a fair result.
With the draw Daniel Farke’s Leeds are now seven games unbeaten and sit on 22 points. Man United have only won one of their last five and sit on 31 points as they missed a chance to put pressure on fourth-placed Liverpool.
Amorim’s depleted Red Devils turn up for the scrap
Last season, or even earlier this season, Man United would have lost this game comfortably. The fact they got a point, despite missing so many players, was a big step forward for Amorim. It may not look like it now after draws with Wolves and Leeds but United are up for the scrap and doing the dirty and simple things well enough to at least draw games. Building this kind of resiliency is key to creating a strong foundation and United are still looking good for at least a top six finish this season. That is a big step forward under Amorim and the fact they can now switch easily between a back three and a back four is a huge bonus.
What’s next?
Leeds head to Newcastle on Wednesday, January 7, while Man United head to Burnley on the same day.
Leeds United vs Manchester United score: 1-1
Aaronson 62’; Cunha 65’
Leeds United vs Manchester United live updates! - By Joe Prince-Wright
Piroe curls just over!
Leeds almost win it right at the end. Substitute Joel Piroe is played in and he curls a beauty towards the far corner, but it flies just over. He thought that was in.
Cunha hits the post!
Nice build up play on the counter from United and the ball is pulled back to Cunha. His low shot beats Perri but hits the post and goes wide. United so close to taking the lead.
Sesko fires just wide
United’s striker with a low shot which just flies past the post. He should hit the target there.
Lammens denies Okafor
United goalkeeper Lammens with a big stop to deny Okafor’s acrobatic effort. Leeds causing chaos with long throws.
Cunha has Man United level!
United are level through the Brazilian Cunha. The game has all of a sudden come to life! Zirkzee with an assist just moments after coming off the bench. An instant response from Man United!
Aaronson puts Leeds ahead!
The USMNT playmaker has Leeds ahead with a huge goal. Heaven can’t deal with the long ball forward and Aaronson nips in and finishes calmly! A massive moment for the American.
Half time: Leeds 0-0 Manchester United
Very even first half with big chances for both. Calvert-Lewin hit the post for Leeds and Yoro went very close for Man United. Tight, tense and every ball matters. Exactly what this rivalry is all about.
Great save from Perri to deny Yoro
A corner is whipped in and Casemiro flicks it towards goal. Yoro gets a flick on it right in front of Perri but the goalkeeper reacts superbly to push it over. Man United pushing for an opener before the break.
Calvert-Lewin hits the post!
Brilliant cross from the right finds the head of Calvert-Lewin who rises high and glances his effort towards the far corner. The ball bounces and hits the post and comes out. So close to an opener for Leeds. The home fans thought that was in.
Brilliant block from Bijol
Perri initially shows great composure to dummy the ball past Sesko, but his clearance is poor. United slot the ball through to Sesko and he’s in, but Bijol slides in with a brilliant block to get in the way of the shot.
Calvert-Lewin goes close on the counter!
Really good chance for Leeds on the break as Okafor and Aaronson combine to set up Calvert-Lewin. He takes the shot early but prods it just over the bar. That was exactly what this new-look Leeds side are all about.
Cunha’s volley goes in... but he’s clearly offside
Lemmens lumps the ball forward, Casemiro flicks it on and Cunha volleys home, but the offside flag is up. The Brazilian was clearly off. But maybe that direct route is something United will focus on?
Leeds lineup
Perri; Bornauw, Bijol, Struijk; Justin, Stach, Gruev, Aaronson, Gudmundsson; Calvert-Lewin, Okafor
Manchester United lineup
Lemmens; Yoro, Heaven, Martinez; Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Shaw; Cunha, Dorgu; Sesko
Leeds United team news, focus
Calvert-Lewin and Okafor are likely to come in to start after being rested against Liverpool.
OUT: Joe Rodon (ankle), Sean Longstaff (calf), Daniel James (hamstring)
Manchester United team news, focus
Bruno Fernandes is close to a return and that would be huge for United. They are missing key players galore and ran out of steam against Wolves.
OUT: Amad Diallo, Noussair Mazraoui and Bryan Mbeumo (AFCON), Matthijs de Ligt (back) Harry Maguire (thigh) | QUESTIONABLE: Bruno Fernandes (thigh), Kobbie Mainoo (calf), Mason Mount (other)
Leeds United vs Manchester United preview
Daniel Farke’s Leeds are six games unbeaten and held Liverpool to a 0-0 draw at Anfield on Thursday, as they have found a really good balance.
Ruben Amorim’s Man United were held to a disappointing home draw by Wolves on Tuesday as they’re missing some key players but have only lost one of their last seven.
Leeds United vs Manchester United prediction
This will be scrappy and tight and decided by counters and set pieces. Expect a draw. Leeds 1-1 Man United.
How to watch Leeds United vs Manchester United live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 7:30am ET Sunday (January 4)
Venue: Elland Road — Leeds
TV Channel: USA
Streaming: Watch on USA Network
