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Manchester United denied goal against Leeds United due to bizarre referee decision

Published on Monday, 13 April 2026 at 1:52 am

Manchester United denied goal against Leeds United due to bizarre referee decision
Elland Road has staged its share of controversy down the decades, but the latest flash-point arrived in an unlikely setting: the Under-18s derby between Manchester United and Leeds United. In the 53rd minute of Wednesday’s academy clash, United midfielder Noah Ajayi unleashed a 25-yard drive that appeared to nestle in the top-left corner. Yet the officiating team, deceived by a tear in the side-netting, signalled a corner, robbing the visitors of a legitimate goal.
Television replays circulated on social media within minutes clearly show the ball crossing the line before nestling in the damaged mesh. The decision, however, stood, and Ajayi’s would-be highlight-reel strike remains absent from the scoresheet.
The incident did little to derail Manchester United’s youngsters, who sealed a 2-0 victory through goals from Jay McEvoy and JJ Gabriel. The result lifts the Red Devils to the summit of the Under-18s Premier League table, although reigning champions Manchester City hold two games in hand.
With senior sides preparing to renew hostilities tomorrow evening at Old Trafford—Michael Carrick’s high-flying side meet Daniel Farke’s relegation-threatened outfit—the bizarre officiating episode has provided an unexpected subplot to a rivalry already rich in drama. At least six first-team players are expected to miss the senior encounter, amplifying focus on every twist of the build-up.
Attention now shifts to United’s academy contingent, who travel to face Sunderland on Saturday 25 April. The Black Cats currently sit ninth in the division, while United will hope to maintain their table-topping momentum—and perhaps a intact net—when the whistle blows at the Academy Stadium.

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Source: yardbarker

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