Leeds Stun Manchester United at Old Trafford, 1-0
Leeds Stun Manchester United at Old Trafford, 1-0
Jermaine Beckford’s winner gave League One leaders Leeds a famous FA Cup victory over their fierce rivals Manchester United in a thrilling tie at Old Trafford.
It was a fully-deserved win for Leeds, who were full of endeavour coming forward before Beckford beat the Manchester United defence to score and, just as importantly, defended as if their lives depended on it afterwards. Leeds relived the glory of years gone by, and showed what the future may hold for their young manager, Simon Grayson, as they knocked their historic rivals out of the FA Cup.
Grayson’s men came into the game unbeaten in 15 games and having lost only twice all season but they were still expected to be brushed aside by the Premier League champions, who themselves have found form since their defensive injury crisis abated.
Although Ferguson made seven changes to the side that thumped Wigan earlier in the week, he kept Berbatov and Rooney in the starting eleven. Man Utd had most of the early possession but Leeds were not panicking when they did get the ball.
On nineteen minutes, Beckford escaped Wes Brown to latch onto Johnny Howson’s superb lofted pass and, although his first touch was poor, he recovered to coolly slide the ball past Tomas Kuszczak and into the bottom corner of the net. The roars from the 9,000 Leeds supporters erupted, filling the silence of the 69,000 home supporters as Beckford raced to the corner flag in ecstasy. His finish should force Newcastle United to spend a bit more if they want to draw the in form striker away from Elland Road this month.
Leeds almost doubled their lead two minutes later when the impressive Howson broke forward down the right and sent over an inviting cross that Luciano Becchio headed wide.
Only then did Man Utd come forward and they came agonisingly close to levelling when Berbatov released Rooney down the right. The England striker made for goal and chipped his shot over keeper Casper Ankergren but Jason Crowe got back superbly to hack the ball off the line. At the end of the first-half, Jonny Evans headed wide after Ankergren flapped at a corner but otherwise the home side were unable to break down Leeds’ determined defence.
Antonio Valencia, Ryan Giggs and Michael Owen were subbed on midway through the second-half and at last Man Utd looked dangerous, only to be thwarted by some dreadful finishing.
Owen miscued with the goal gaping after Valencia teed him up and Rooney was also wildly off target when the ball fell to him in the box.
Leeds were not just defending either, and could have extended their lead before the end when Beckford fired wide after running through and substitute Robert Snodgrass smashed a rasping free-kick against the bar.
In the closing minutes, Manchester United pushed forward with a few goal-mouth scrambles but Leeds held on to earn their first victory at Old Trafford since 1981.
Leeds United manager Simon Grayson:
“Obviously I am very proud of my team and what they’ve done today.
"We worked very hard and I feel we deserved this win.
"I told the lads before the game to go out and make themselves proud whether they won or not and they’ve done that.
"We knew we could hurt them today and this signalled how well we’ve been playing all season.
"This win is for the fans, who have stuck by us in every game. Once again, they were great and they deserve this.”
