MANCHESTER, England — The chant “United are back, United are back” echoed late Monday night at Old Trafford. However, it wasn’t the home supporters singing it; it was the Leeds United fans, relishing their first league victory at this stadium since 1981.
So, are Manchester United back? Not exactly. The 2-1 defeat to manager Daniel Farke’s team served as a stark reminder of the fragile optimism surrounding the club.
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While the team looked improved under interim head coach Michael Carrick, it hardly seemed ready to challenge for the title, as Leeds’ dominant first-half display made that clear.
With Leeds facing relegation, they entered the match without having scored a Premier League goal since February, yet they could have easily netted four in the opening half. Farke’s side settled for two, courtesy of Noah Okafor.
It had been 24 days since United last played—drawing 2-2 with Bournemouth on March 20—but they appeared rusty, being outmuscled and making errant passes throughout the match.
This performance starkly contrasted with the sharp displays they put forth earlier in Carrick’s tenure against teams like Manchester City and Arsenal.
At halftime, the stadium blasted song lyrics about having unsolvable problems—perhaps an ill-timed choice when trailing 2-0 against a rival. The situation deteriorated when referee Paul Tierney issued a red card to Lisandro Martínez less than ten minutes into the second half.
Martínez looked confused as Tierney went to review the play on the pitch-side monitor, following a VAR suggestion regarding a hair pull on Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Following the review, Tierney handed out a red card that now casts doubt on Martínez’s availability for crucial upcoming games against Chelsea, Brentford, and Liverpool.
After the match, Carrick expressed his disbelief at the decision, calling it “shocking.” Nonetheless, he praised his team’s response as they finally found their rhythm, pulling a goal back thanks to Casemiro. They pressed for a second as Benjamin Sesko had a header well saved, followed by another Casemiro effort cleared off the line by Calvert-Lewin.
“I thought it was a great reaction from the team,” Carrick remarked. “We emphasized positivity at halftime. The mood in the dressing room is understandably low due to the result, but it won’t affect our confidence or belief.”
While short-term goals remain achievable—winning against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday could secure a top five finish and a Champions League spot—tonight’s loss dampened long-term aspirations.
Harry Maguire, who recently signed a one-year contract extension, spoke about his belief in the potential for a strong summer in the transfer market to position United as title contenders next season. However, based on recent performances, it may require more than a successful window.
The squad’s lack of depth was evident when they struggled without Kobbie Mainoo, who missed this match due to a minor injury. This forced Carrick to start his understudy, Manuel Ugarte, whose performance raised questions about his future with the club. In his ten starts this season, United has only managed to win once.
Carrick expressed confidence in Ugarte but acknowledged he’s hoping for Mainoo’s return against Chelsea, which would alleviate one of many selection challenges, especially with uncertainties surrounding center-back availability. Maguire, serving a suspension against Leeds, might face more bans due to an FA charge resulting from his exit from the pitch during the Bournemouth match.
If Martínez’s red card stands, he will face a three-match ban for violent conduct, potentially leaving Carrick with no option but to turn to youthful players like Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven against Chelsea.
This situation emphasizes that the squad lacks the depth needed for both the Premier League and Champions League next season. Meanwhile, Leeds United are merely focused on ensuring their place in the Premier League after pulling six points clear of the relegation zone.
“I’m very proud,” Farke stated. “This is our first league win here in four decades—a standout moment, especially considering the stakes. The key was to be brave and attack; simply parking the bus wouldn’t have yielded any points here at Old Trafford.”
As Leeds fans celebrated in a corner of the stadium, singing “United are back,” the remaining Manchester United supporters were left pondering when they might get to chant the same.