Manchester United fought back to secure a 1-1 draw against rivals Leeds United on Sunday, as Matheus Cunha canceled out Brenden Aaronson’s opener in a frantic second-half spell. With Ruben Amorim coming out with serious words, post the match.
For Ruben Amorim, it was a second consecutive 1-1 draw following a midweek stalemate against Wolves, leaving his injury-hit squad with just one win from their last five league outings.
Manchester United, missing eight first-team players and starting a defensive-heavy lineup, thought they had taken an early lead when Cunha volleyed home, only for the goal to be ruled out for an offside against Benjamin Sesko.
Leeds grew into the contest and nearly broke the deadlock in the 35th minute when Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s glancing header clipped the far post. And at the other end, Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri produced a reflex save to tip over a close-range header from Leny Yoro just before the interval.
The deadlock finally broke in the 62nd minute following a defensive lapse from United youngster Ayden Heaven. The defender hesitated on a hopeful ball forward from Pascal Struijk, allowing Aaronson to steal possession and fire low past Senne Lammens.
However, the home side's lead lasted only 174 seconds. Amorim immediately introduced Joshua Zirkzee, who provided a delicate through-ball for Cunha to slide past Perri for the equalizer. "Last year, it would be completely different," Amorim noted. "This year we are in control of the games more often... We are a little bit frustrated not to win."
The final twenty minutes saw both sides search for a winner in an open contest. Cunha struck the outside of the post from the edge of the area, while Sesko continued his recent barren run by firing a glorious chance wide from a Zirkzee cutback. Leeds substitute Joël Piroe also went close, sending a curling effort narrowly over the crossbar in the dying stages.
Despite missing influential players like Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu, Farke expressed satisfaction with the draw. "To face a side of the calibre of Man United, it’s difficult," Farke said. "It wasn't our best game, but it was another valuable point."
Following the match, Amorim addressed speculation regarding transfer policy and his role at the club with a defiant statement. "I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the coach," Amorim told reporters.
"I know my name is not Tuchel, it's not Conte, it's not Mourinho, but I'm the manager... I will do my job until another guy is coming here to replace me." United now heads into a full week of preparation as they attempt to integrate returning players, while Leeds continues their survival push with growing confidence in their current 3-5-2 system.