Leeds fight back to draw Manchester United 1-1 at Elland Road as pressure mounts on manager Michael Carrick after another frustrating result

Manchester United’s difficult start to the Premier League season continued on Sunday as Leeds United fought back to secure a 1-1 draw at Elland Road.

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The result extended a turbulent period for Michael Carrick’s side, who travelled to Yorkshire looking for a much-needed victory after managing only two wins in nine matches across all competitions this season.

United had taken the lead through Bryan Mbeumo before Dominic Calvert-Lewin restored parity early in the second half.

Leeds subsequently dominated large periods of the game, leaving United frustrated as they struggled to create clear opportunities to regain the lead.

The match began with plenty of intensity but few clear chances as both sides battled for control.

Leeds goalkeeper James Trafford was called into action in the 26th minute, producing an impressive save to deny Nico Elvedi’s header after the ball bounced off the turf and headed towards the top corner.

Mbeumo then missed an opportunity at the other end, heading wide from Youri Tielemans’ cross before later forcing a comfortable save from Trafford.

The Manchester United forward eventually made the breakthrough in the 35th minute.

Tielemans delivered another dangerous low cross from the right, and Mbeumo guided the ball into the bottom corner for his fourth Premier League goal of the season.

United took their 1-0 advantage into half-time, but the lead did not last long after the restart.

Leeds came out strongly in the second half and levelled in the 51st minute.

Tarik Muharemovic won the ball in the air following a corner, allowing Calvert-Lewin to control it on his chest before stretching to finish past United goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

The equaliser shifted the momentum firmly in favour of the hosts.

Leeds continued to push forward and largely restricted United to counter-attacking opportunities as Carrick looked for a way to change the game.

The United manager introduced Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha in an attempt to find a winning goal, but neither side could produce the decisive moment.

The draw does little to ease the pressure surrounding Carrick after a difficult opening to his first full season in charge at Old Trafford.

The result came just days after United’s 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, a match that was followed by public criticism from defender Lisandro Martinez.

The Argentina international had questioned the strength of United’s squad following what he described as an underwhelming summer transfer window.

Carrick said on Friday that the issue had been put behind the team, and Martinez was included in the starting XI against Leeds.

However, the defender was substituted at half-time, with Morocco international Noussair Mazraoui taking his place.

The point leaves Manchester United 13th in the Premier League table, with only one win from their last seven league matches.

Leeds, meanwhile, sit seventh after another encouraging result against one of England’s biggest clubs.

Elsewhere, Brighton moved temporarily into second place after an emphatic 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace.

Fabian Hurzeler’s side raced into a three-goal lead inside the opening 10 minutes.

Palace defender Jaydee Canvot scored an own goal before Diego Gomez produced a remarkable effort from near the halfway line.

Yasin Ayari then added a third goal as Brighton took complete control.

Charalampos Kostoulas and substitute Jack Hinshelwood added further goals after the break to complete a commanding victory.

Arsenal had the opportunity to reclaim second place when they travelled to Nottingham Forest later on Sunday.

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Meanwhile, Bournemouth secured their first Premier League victory of the season by beating 10-man Sunderland 2-0 through goals from Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson.