Manchester United held to 1-1 draw at Leeds as Carrick sees signs of progress
Manchester United closed a turbulent week with a 1‑1 stalemate at Leeds on Sunday, a result that does little to ease the pressure on manager Michael Carrick. The Red Devils arrived in Yorkshire hoping to spark a turnaround after only two victories in nine matches across all competitions this season.
The club’s woes deepened midweek when defender Lisandro Martinez launched a criticism of the hierarchy following a 2‑0 loss to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. The Argentine centre‑back claimed Carrick, in his first full season at Old Trafford, had been left with an under‑strength squad after a quiet summer transfer window. Carrick responded on Friday that the incident had been “moved on,” and Martinez was named in the starting eleven at Elland Road.
Both sides came out fighting, but early chances were scarce. United goalkeeper Senne Lammens tipped away a Nico Elvedi header in the 26th minute, the ball bouncing off the turf before reaching the top corner. A minute later, Bryan Mbeumo, playing as United’s target man, headed a fine Youri Tielemans cross wide and then struck a tame shot at Leeds keeper James Trafford.
Mbeumo broke the deadlock in the 35th minute when Tielemans delivered another low ball from the right; the forward guided it into the bottom corner for his fourth Premier League goal of the campaign. Martinez was substituted at half‑time and replaced by Morocco’s Noussair Mazraoui.
Leeds responded quickly after the break and drew level in the 51st minute. Dominic Calvert‑Lewin controlled a ball on his chest and finished at full stretch after Tarik Muharemovic headed the ball on to him from a corner. The home side then took control, limiting United to mainly counter‑attacking chances. Carrick introduced Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha in search of a winner, but neither side could find a decisive goal.
The point left 20‑time English champions Manchester United in 13th place, with just one win in their last seven league games, while Leeds sit in seventh.
Elsewhere on Sunday, Brighton produced a five‑goal demolition of Crystal Palace, briefly moving into second place. Diego Gomez’s spectacular strike from the halfway line opened the scoring, followed by an own‑goal from Palace defender Jaydee Canvot and a finish from Yasin Ayari within the first ten minutes. Charalampos Kostoulas and substitute Jack Hinshelwood added further goals in the second half.
Arsenal travel to Nottingham Forest later in the afternoon, needing a win to keep pace with Manchester City, who have now claimed seven consecutive league victories. The Gunners have continued their strong run despite recent Premier League financial‑rules charges.
Bournemouth secured their first league win of the season, beating a ten‑man Sunderland 2‑0 thanks to goals from Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson.