Leeds v Man United live: Matheus Cunha secures draw in fiery Premier League clash at Elland Road
Ruben Amorim’s side hit back to grab a point at Elland Road, surviving a late storm from the Whites in a fierce contest
Matheus Cunha's second-half equaliser rescued a point for Manchester United at Leeds as one of English football's bitterest rivalries finished in a 1-1 draw at Elland Road.
Cunha fired his side level just three minutes after Brenden Aaronson had put Leeds in front and despite coming under late pressure the visitors held on to remain unbeaten in the league against their Roses rivals since 2002.
Leeds hit the post through Dominic Calvert-Lewin's first-half header and will be frustrated not to have ended their 23-year wait for a league win against the Red Devils.
But Daniel Farke's side extended their unbeaten run to seven matches and climbed eight points clear of the relegation zone, while Ruben Amorim's under-pressure side missed the chance to climb into the top four.
Relive all the action and take in the reaction and analysis from an entertaining draw between Leeds and Man Utd, below
Bizarre Ruben Amorim comments spark fresh doubt in Man United soap opera
Not even a boring and fairly eventless draw brings about a day of little drama for Manchester United, it seems.
It was a point gained for Leeds United in their quest to stay in the Premier League and two dropped for their rivals' pursuit of European football, but well after full-time, another story emerged in the Elland Road media room which could suggest all is not well behind the scenes at Old Trafford.
While the game lacked entertainment, the bizarre press conference afterwards by Ruben Amorim brought a plot twist.
Bizarre Ruben Amorim comments spark fresh doubt in Man United soap opera
Ruben Amorim gives Man United injury update on Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim offered an update on the injury status of Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount after the draw to Leeds, with the Portuguese suggesting he hopes to have the duo available in midweek.
Mount and Fernandes were among eight senior players who were unavailable for the trip to Elland Road, with the United captain having suffered a thigh problem in the loss to Aston Villa before Mount was forced off against Newcastle on Boxing Day.
A depleted United side still managed to grab a 1-1 draw at Elland Road despite going behind, with Matheus Cunha cancelling out an opener from Brenden Aaronson, and Amorim said after the game that he would “expect to have some minutes” from Fernandes and Mount next time out.
Ruben Amorim gives Man United injury update on Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount
Matheus Cunha equaliser earns Man Utd a draw at Leeds
Matheus Cunha cancelled out Brenden Aaronson’s strike as Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United and rivals Leeds fought out a tense 1-1 draw at rocking Elland Road.
Daniel Farke’s promoted side came into Sunday lunchtime’s encounter on a six-game unbeaten run but with two days’ less rest than their cross-Pennine enemies.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin hit the post in the first half and Leeds began to dream of a first Premier League win against their arch-rivals since September 2002 when Aaronson slammed home after the break.
Matheus Cunha equaliser earns Man Utd a draw at Leeds
Amorim: 'Everyone needs to focus on United'
Here’s more from Ruben Amorim:
“If you look at Ayden [Heaven] and Leny [Yoro] they are young, but it was not because if that [that Leeds scored]. If you play so well and have a msitake, that can happen. These things are going to happen, we had chances to score the second and nobody would be talking about their goal.
“Josh [Zirkzee] played well, Ben [Sesko] connects well, Ugarte is playing better, showing he has more to give. If these guys play well we always have a chance to win the game.
On transfers and moves away from the club, the Portuguese adds: “Everyone needs to focus on United, this is one of the best clubs in the world. If you are here and focusing on another club, something is wrong with you.
“Just focus on the game, prepare with the players we have. I expect to have some minutes from Bruno [Fernandes], Mount maybe. We’ll see,” he adds as he finishes.
Amorim: 'We controlled the game'
Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim is last to speak to TNT.
“I think we played well, we had more control in this game than we showed against Wolves. That is important, you can work with the mistakes we made,” he explains.
We controlled them quite well, they’re a team that is good in set-pieces and second balls. We had a lot of chances to win the game, we are losing on details. We controlled the game.
“We managed to get back on the game, last year it would have been different. It was a good game but I’m frustrated not to win.
Cunha: 'We need to keep improving'
Man Utd goalscorer Matheus Cunha had this to say to TNT:
"After the game against Wolves it was a little bit sad for us. Of course we want to win every single game, and then have a big opportunity to get into the top four.
"We need to keep going. After the draw, to come here isn't easy, we know how big this game is for everyone. But it is good to get a point here.
"It was so hard. We know what to expect, of course for them they try to do everything to win. It's hard, a lot of physical, but every single game when we wear this shirt we have to give it all, and today was no different."
On his equaliser, he added: "It's very important to go again after they score. We tried to do everything to win this game, and we hope the next one comes with three points.
"When everyone is here, we have everyone to create with me and create a lot of good things. We need to keep improving and try again in the next one."
More from Farke
Here’s more from Daniel Farke:
On his subs, he says: “It was risky because you could feel the load from the last few weeks, but the gut feeling was we wanted to go for it. It was the right call, and we nearly won the game.
“The boys are fantastic, the professional side is second to none. Physically we go over the line, and to be competitive in each and every Premier League game is always a good sign.
“The clinical edge could have been better but we are on a good path.Right now we have to recover smart, another midweek game, so let’s hope one or two players will come back.
“Ampadu will come back, that’s a positive. We want to invest everything and try everything [in the match versus Newcastle].”
Farke: 'We could’ve taken all three points'
Leeds boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to TNT Sports after full-time. Here’s what he had to say:
“If you play Man Utd as a newly promoted side it’s always a good point. Probably not our best game today, a few players were out, a bit tired today.
“We could’ve taken all three points, but if I calm down it’s probably a fair result. It’s a good point, another on our tally, and extends the gap a little bit.
“We needed to play with fire in the heart but cool in the heads. It’s the most important game of the last three years! It was important to find a good balance,” he added.
Today's Premier League fixtures
Here’s the list of the remaining fixtures today in the Premier League:
Fulham vs Liverpool - 3pm
Tottenham vs Sunderland - 3pm
Everton vs Brentford - 3pm
Newcastle vs Crystal Palace - 3pm
Man City vs Chelsea - 5.30pm
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