War of the Roses Clash Ends in a Draw as United's Winless Streak Extends to Six Games

Leeds and Manchester United share a point apiece after Dominic Calvert-Lewin cancels out Bryan Mbeumo’s opener at Elland Road.

United’s rotten run of form continues, and questions will be asked of head coach Michael Carrick after a strange tactical change.

Leeds remain unbeaten at home since March. A remarkable achievement for Daniel Farke and his side, who had endured rough patches in the opening half of the 2025/26 season.

United marginally improved after recent performances

The Red Devils started the game on the front foot, something they’ve failed to do in the first 6 fixtures of the season. The away side pressed Leeds with fire in their bellies after Lisandro Martinez’s midweek comments turned many heads at the club.

Leeds controlled the ball well but failed to test the United backline; both sides grew frustrated with the duels they were losing, leading to many rash challenges flying in across the field.

Bruno Fernandes and Gabriel Gudmundsson were both fortunate to only receive yellows after late challenges left players writhing on the ground.

Gudmundsson could’ve seen red after swinging an arm towards Amad Diallo after he felt Amad had fouled him on the right.

Chances were few and far between in the opening half an hour; United keeper Senne Lammens made a full stretch save to deny Nico Elvedi before Mbeumo flashed a header wide moments later at the other end.

Mbeumo provided United’s best threat through the centre; the Cameroon international peeled off the back of his marker to slot home the opening goal in the 35th minute.

The away side took the lead into half-time but, like last weekend against Spurs, tactical and defensive errors let them down.

Martinez picked up a knock in the first half and was replaced by Noussair Mazrouai at the interval. But Carrick left Leny Yoro out at right back instead of shifting him to his preferred centre-half position. Mazrouai, who is a natural full-back, was left to play in the centre of the defence.

United then cracked at the back after the change. A Leeds corner saw Mazrouai beaten by physical strength and height by Tarik Muharemovic, who’s flick on found Calvert-Lewin to equalise for the hosts.

The game again became stale with neither side wanting to lose; Fernandes dragged a shot wide after controlling a cross from Yoro.

Anton Stach had a chance that he lashed over the bar from the edge of the area.

Leeds nearly won the game in the 93rd minute; Diogo Dalot and Mazrouai collectively cleared a ball off the line after Leeds powered shots towards Lammens, who had a shaky performance.

Both sides climb a couple of places up the table, but for United their worst beginning to a season continues with one league win so far.

Carrick: “The players have shown unity over the last few days”

After United’s tumultuous week with a loss in the Champions League and comments flying around after the match, including a social media post from Amad. Carrick felt his side had come together as a collective.

He told BBC Sport, “We want to do well. They’re (the players) a really tight group, and things haven’t gone our way. Some of it to do with us, some of it is down to luck in moments, but it gives me a lot of belief moving forward.”

Martinez started despite his words towards Jason Wilcox, but the club are certain that the issue has been resolved. United travel to Como on Wednesday evening for another Champions League match.

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