Two first-half goals from wideman Noah Okafor helped Leeds United remain in the ascendency throughout their clash against Manchester United, securing a 2-1 victory away at Old Trafford.
The win puts Leeds three points above Nottingham Forest, and six points from the drop, with Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham still firmly in the fight to remain in the division.
With six games left in the season, the win against Man United will give Daniel Farke and his men some breathing room heading into their game against Wolves at home on Saturday.
Michael Carrick: ‘Lisandro Martinez sending off was shocking’
Although midfielder Casemiro managed to claw a goal back in the 69th minute to keep United in the fight, boss Michael Carrick was particularly aggrieved by a referee call he deemed “shocking” to send off centre-back Lisandro Martinez.
“We didn’t quite have the rhythm, we didn’t click,” Carrick told Sky Sports. “We had some moments but it wasn’t there for large parts of the half.
“I thought the boys stayed positive and fought for everything in the second half, after a shocking decision to send Lisandro [Martinez] off.
“That’s two games in a row we’ve had those decisions go against us, but that one was one of the worst I’ve seen.
“There’s a difference between touching somebody the way he has and actually really aggressively tugging on it, which we’ve seen at certain points where there’s a real emphasis to it. It’s really concerning.
“It’s a shocking decision. Absolutely shocking,” the United boss concluded.
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‘We can be more effective’ says Farke
Contrastingly, the Leeds dressing room was the happier of the two sides – however, Farke was quick to point out that his side could have put the game to bed in the first half.
“We should have been more than 2-0 up in the first half, if I’m honest,” the Leeds boss said.
“Sometimes a red card can change something. We fell asleep at one set-piece and then it’s more the Man United way and it’s difficult to bring it over the line as a newly promoted side.
“To get a first win here in whatever it is, 40 years, is amazing and of course a big step forward. It gives us confidence.
“We have performed with unbelievable consistency, but we can be more effective in both boxes. For that, the reality is we are on 36 points and we need a few more points.”
With Leeds welcoming struggling Wolves to Elland Road, and United travelling to West London to clash with the Blues at Stamford Bridge, Matchweek 33 is set to be an enticing prospect at both ends of the table.
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