Manchester United’s woes deepen as they extend their winless run to six games after a draw at Leeds
Manchester United’s struggles continued as Michael Carrick’s side drew Leeds United 1-1 at Elland Road on Sunday to extend their winless run in all competitions to six games. Bryan Mbeumo put United ahead before half-time, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s second-half equalizer denied them a much-needed win.
The result capped a turbulent week for United with the defender Lisandro Martinez publicly challenged the club’s hierarchy. Carrick’s side arrived at Elland Road under pressure to respond but once again failed to convert their chances to win.
United remain 13th in the Premier League table, while Leeds are seventh, three points ahead of their rivals. With their winless run showing no signs of ending, United have more questions to answer as their difficult season continues.
The Roses derby started with plenty of physicality but little attacking fluidity. Bruno Fernandes and Gabriel Gudmundsson were booked for ill-timed challenges, while goalkeeper Senne Lammens kept United in the game with a full-length save to deny Nico Elvedi’s header in the 26th minute.
Mbeumo had a chance to open the scoring soon after, but Youri Tielemans’ cross went wide despite being unmarked. The striker made amends 10 minutes before the break, getting past James Justin before meeting Tielemans’ excellent pass into the box and finishing to give United the advantage.
Leeds responded with more purpose after the break, pushing United back and looking more dangerous in the final third. Their pressure paid off in the 51st minute. Tarik Muharemovic headed in a corner and Calvert-Lewin was quickest to react when the ball came loose and stretched out to head home.
The equalizer changed the mood inside Elland Road. Leeds pressed forward with renewed confidence as United struggled to retain possession and create clear-cut chances. Fernandes sent an effort wide as the visitors tried to regain the lead, but their attacks lacked the urgency needed to trouble the home side at all times.
Carrick introduced Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha in the closing stages, hoping to find a breakthrough. However, United were unable to turn late changes into winners. Leeds also had a chance to take all three points, but Anton Stach fired over the first attempt.
The draw extended United’s Premier League winless streak to five games, while their last win in any competition remains six games behind them. An inability to protect the lead will be a concern for Carrick, especially as his side continue to drop points despite being in promising positions.
Leeds, meanwhile, remain unbeaten at home in all competitions since March and are three points clear of their rivals. Their second-half performance gave them reason to feel encouraged, although United’s failure to follow up Mbeuma’s opener will dominate the post-match discussion at Old Trafford.
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