Okafor double helps Leeds stun Man Utd

Old Trafford, Manchester — Leeds United ended a 41-year wait for a league victory at the Theatre of Dreams as two first-half goals from Noah Okafor sealed a seismic 2-1 win over Manchester United and dragged the Whites six points clear of the Premier League drop zone.

The visitors pounced inside five minutes. A teasing ball into the box caught the home defence flat-footed and Okafor steered a calm first-time finish beyond goalkeeper Senne Lammens to spark delirious celebrations among the travelling support.

Michael Carrick’s men never found their rhythm, and Leeds capitalised again before the interval. Okafor collected possession 25 yards out, unleashed a dipping drive that flicked off Leny Yoro, and arced into the far corner to double the advantage.

United emerged with greater intent after the restart and nearly halved the deficit when Benjamin Sesko met a dangerous centre, only for Karl Darlow to repel the effort and desperate Leeds defending to scramble the rebound clear.

The hosts’ uphill task became mountainous on 63 minutes when Lisandro Martínez was dismissed following a VAR review that caught the Argentine tugging the hair of Dominic Calvert-Lewin during an off-the-ball clash.

Down to ten, United still pressed and finally found a lifeline 12 minutes from time as Casemiro ghosted in to convert Bruno Fernandes’ inviting cross, setting up a frenetic finale.

Carrick’s side threw everything forward in search of parity, but a resolute Leeds back line stood firm to secure a first league triumph at Old Trafford since 1980 and inflict the interim boss’ maiden home defeat since taking the reins.

The result lifts Leeds to 36 points, six above the relegation places, while United remain outside the European places and with questions to answer ahead of a pivotal run-in.