Man United Take First Half-Time Lead of Season but Still Cannot Win, Draw at Leeds

Manchester United went to Elland Road in search of a long-awaited Premier League win, but they could not end a 49-day winless run across all competitions. Michael Carrick's side left the field with a 1-1 draw against Leeds United.

With this draw, United are now winless in six straight matches overall and five straight in the league. Leeds fans had hoped for a first home win in 24 years against a side that had won only one of its previous six league matches this season; in the end, that wait grew longer too.

It was the visitors who scored first. United finished the first half ahead through a goal from Bryan Mbeumo — the first time this season they have led at half-time in the league, a notable fact given their recent form.

Before the goal, Mbeumo himself had missed a chance, heading off target early on. The breakthrough then came from Yuri Tielemans' low cross, producing a fourth goal of the season and putting United ahead before the break.

The build-up to the match had also been in the spotlight. Lisandro Martinez, who had faced a backlash after strongly criticising United's board officials and then apologised, kept his place in the starting eleven for this match.

Leeds also wasted two chances early on. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens easily stopped an effort from Ao Tanaka, and then Dominic Calvert-Lewin's header went past the goal frame.

Leeds equalised in the 51st minute of the second half. After a header from Muharemovic from a corner, the ball reached Calvert-Lewin at the edge of the box. He held off Mbeumo's challenge and scored with a powerful shot to bring the match level.

After the equaliser, United were pushed onto the back foot and the noise from the Leeds fans grew louder. However, shots from Tanaka and Noah Okafor went over the crossbar, so the hosts could not move ahead.

Late in the match, Leeds came very close to snatching all three points. But after a scramble in front of goal, Lammens saved Stach's low shot — and Leeds' 24-year wait for a home win over the Red Devils grew longer.

The effect of the draw is clear in the points table. United have dropped to 13th with just 7 points from seven matches, while Leeds are seventh with 10 points.

The positive of leading at half-time for the first time therefore did not turn into a win in the end. Michael Carrick's team will have to wait until the next match to end their 49-day winless run.