Credit: Imago

Jack Dawson

Mon 13 April 2026 22:24, UK

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Manchester United suffered a rare defeat under Michael Carrick as Leeds United won 2-1 at Old Trafford.

It was a fantastic performance from the visitors as they completely overran the Red Devils for much of the game, and they should have arguably won by more.

As a result, Daniel Farke’s side has now moved six points clear of the relegation zone, in a real boost to their survival hopes.

However, for Man United, the defeat was potentially damning as they look to secure Champions League football.

Nevertheless, the game was full of plenty of contentious decisions by Paul Tierney as Leeds secured a vital victory.

Leeds United’s opener should have been ruled out 

It was no doubt a chaotic start at Old Trafford, with Man United shellshocked after Leeds’ early opener.

However, this goal should have been disallowed for a foul in the build-up.

As the ball was played back into the box, Dominic Calvert-Lewin challenged Leny Yoro in the air, with the striker’s arm hitting the defender’s face.

This helped to prevent the Man United star from potentially winning the head, and therefore denying Noah Okafor from scoring. 

Therefore, this was a clear error from Tierney and should have disallowed the goal for a foul.

Jayden Bogle somehow avoids early yellow card

Man United will have felt aggrieved that Jayden Bogle was not booked for his early challenge on Casemiro.

Shortly after Okafor’s goal, Bogle went in for a challenge on Casemiro, which saw his boot make contact with the midfielder’s ankle.

“In that first half it felt like Leeds were the team who were in the Champions League positions”@Carra23 on a ‘confident’ performance from Leeds United ⚪ pic.twitter.com/Q5VzzTgcu2

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 13, 2026

While a free-kick was awarded to Man United, the Leeds star somehow avoided a booking for this reckless challenge.

Just because the match has only just got underway, does not mean that a yellow card should not have been issued.

Ultimately, Tierney made the wrong decision here.

Ethan Ampadu should not have been carded for simulation

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Leeds United will build a squad around Ethan Ampadu in the summer transfer window, and after this performance, it was obvious why.

However, the Peacocks star was slightly unfortunate to be booked during the victory.

In the dying minutes of the game at Old Trafford, Leeds were trying to kill the game as Man United turned the pressure up.

“I’m not talking about the referee, if I talk about the referee I’m going to get in very big trouble”

Bruno Fernandes was not happy with the referee in Manchester United’s defeat to Leeds. pic.twitter.com/e7FSooNloq

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 13, 2026

A loose ball in the middle of the park was then charged at by both Ampadu and Matheus Cunha, with the latter winning the ball.

The Leeds star then jumped over the challenge, which Tierney deemed to be a dive, and booked him for simulation.

However, this simply was not the case, as the high leg of Cunha forced Ampadu to jump over the challenge to avoid injury.

Therefore, the referee should not have booked the Leeds star, as there was simply nothing else he could have done.