Noah Okafor struck twice inside the first half hour as Leeds United stunned Manchester United 2-1 at Old Trafford on April 14, lifting the Yorkshire side six points clear of the Premier League relegation zone. The victory — Leeds’ first league win at Old Trafford since 1981 — moved them up to 16th in the 20-team table, while Manchester remained third and missed the chance to move clear of Aston Villa, with whom they are level on points.
Leeds started brightly and nearly opened the scoring in the second minute when Dominic Calvert-Lewin was denied by an outstanding point-blank save from Senne Lammers. Two minutes later Jayden Bogle’s deep cross caused chaos in the box and Okafor side-footed home to give Leeds the lead. The visitors dominated the opening half hour and doubled their advantage in the 29th minute when a half clearance fell to Okafor, whose first-time shot from outside the box took a slight deflection and crept into the far corner.
The match swung again early in the second half when Lisandro Martinez was sent off about 10 minutes after the break for pulling Calvert-Lewin’s hair, increasing United’s uphill task. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Manchester produced a fierce response and pulled one back in the 68th minute when Casemiro bulleted a header past Karl Darlow from a Ruben Fernandes cross.
The final quarter-hour was frantic and end-to-end. United had two efforts cleared off the line and repeatedly pressed for an equaliser, while Leeds threatened on the break but could not add to their tally. Both sides created chances, yet neither could find a decisive second goal.
“We didn’t start the game particularly well,” interim United coach Michael Carrick said. “We didn’t quite have the rhythm or click. I’m pleased with the way we went about the second half but it was more difficult when you are a man down.” Carrick had gone unbeaten at home since replacing Rubem Amorim in mid-January until this defeat.
Leeds coach Daniel Farke praised his players. “I feel tired and relieved but also proud of the boys,” he said. “It was a fantastic performance. We are into the crunch time of the season and you have to keep your nerve and stick to your plan.” He added that while the win lifts mood and confidence, “a few more points are needed… Nothing is achieved yet. We have to stay humbled, grounded and hungry.”
The result was not just three vital points for a side fighting for survival but a morale-boosting statement of belief. For Manchester United, it was a sobering reminder that early lapses and moments of indiscipline can prove costly as the season reaches its climax. (AP)
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/04/15/okafor-double-helps-leeds-win-thrilling-encounter-at-old-trafford/
Category: SPORTS
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Publish Date: 2026-04-15 05:06:00
