Noah Okafor brace helps Leeds end Manchester United hoodoo at Old Trafford
By Simon Peach, Press Association Chief Football Writer
Noah Okafor wrote himself into club folklore by scoring an Old Trafford brace that saw Leeds celebrate a first Premier League win against Roses rivals Manchester United in over 23 years.
Michael Carrick suffered just a second defeat since taking charge in January, and his first on home soil, as the Red Devils’ Champions League charge took a hit against the relegation-battling FA Cup semi-finalists.
Okafor sparked celebrations even wilder than seen during last weekend’s quarter-final triumph at West Ham as he overcame a knock to seal Leeds a memorable, and potentially vital, 2-1 victory at 10-man Man United.
Not since Jermaine Beckford struck in the FA Cup third round in 2010 had the Whites won at Old Trafford, and you have to go back to Brian Flynn’s goal back in 1981 to find their last league victory on enemy turf.
Okafor’s first-half double proved decisive at Old Trafford, where Lisandro Martinez stopped Ao Tanaka making things worse with an exceptional last-ditch challenge before boos greeted the half-time whistle.
The United defender would see red early in the second period after the VAR spotted him tugging Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair, but Carrick’s side showed spirit until the end.
Casemiro’s thumping header set up a nervy conclusion and Calvert-Lewin produced a pivotal pair of late blocks as the hosts came up empty-handed against their elated rivals.
