🔗 Share this article Matheus Cunha Finds the Net to Secure Man Utd a Draw at Leeds. Leeds United's Noah Okafor shields the ball from the opposition's Leny Yoro in the top-flight battle at Elland Road. At a Glance Dominic Calvert-Lewin watches a first-half header ricochet off the upright. Aaronson fires the hosts ahead with a well-placed strike in the second half. Matheus Cunha responds only three minutes later. The Yorkshire side continue their longest top-flight unbeaten run since 2001. Manchester United's disappointing recent struggles persisted at Elland Road, but manager the Portuguese tactician had his Brazilian forward to thank for his side avoiding even more damage against their old rivals. The Everton loanee directed a first-half attempt against the post for the confident hosts before Brenden Aaronson finished superbly with a driven, 62nd-minute effort. With the goal, the United boss was under intense scrutiny after his side had been held by bottom-of-the-table Wolves at Old Trafford earlier in the week. However, against a team who had less time to recover, the forward levelled three minutes later when he ran on to a pass from introduced Joshua Zirkzee and guided a finish underneath advancing home goalkeeper Lucas Perri. It was only the South American's fourth goal since his big-money summer move and came at a time when Amorim is without four key attacking players due to a mix of injury and international duty. Not that you would expect the hosts to sympathise with that given their own lack of preparation time. The Swiss attacker forced a full length save out of visiting goalkeeper Senne Lammens with a spectacular overhead kick, and United heads were in hands when Benjamin Sesko, who is finding it hard to make an impression, turned Zirkzee's cut-back wide from close range. The goalscorer, who had a goal ruled out for offside much earlier in the contest, also blasted against a post late on. The draw prolongs Leeds' unbeaten run to seven games, their best such streak since 2001, and takes them a significant margin clear of the relegation zone. For the Manchester United though, it was yet another chance to move into fourth spot, albeit only for a short time, squandered. Manchester United Breakdown: The Manager's Side Struggle Again With the AFCON reaching its knockout phase, Amorim could be understood for hoping the involved countries make a swift exit. Current injuries to captain Bruno Fernandes and England international Mason Mount only heightened the impact the absence of other forwards is having on the team's options. It's not that the absent players are the solution to all of United's problems. After all, they were part of the side that suffered disappointing results earlier in the season. But without them, Amorim has limited alternatives in attack. He evidently does not trust teenager Shea Lacey or the much more experienced Zirkzee, even though the Netherlands forward delivered the through ball for the equaliser almost immediately after his arrival as a replacement. That leaves Cunha, who has now scored three goals in five games, and others operating out of their preferred positions, alongside Benjamin Sesko. On this showing, the expensive frontman looks no better than previous struggling signings, lacking in belief and assurance in front of goal. Sesko's failure to turn home the cross means it is now a long run without a goal for the young striker. Leeds Analysis: Another Step Towards Survival After memorable victories in their last few home games, the arrival of their biggest rivals to home was a comparatively subdued affair. True, there were moments of expected fervor, but the intimidating edge was not as evident as in other fixtures. The home fans were more preoccupied about their side's inability to get sustained possession in dangerous areas for any length of time. The Calvert-Lewin header that struck the post was an isolated moment of threat in a tight first half. It still felt as though Leeds were struggling when a mistake opened the door for the opener. For a short moment, The home delirious fans thought they were about to secure a coveted win against Manchester United. However, there is a wider context for the manager and the club to deal with. When they endured a poor run of form earlier in the campaign, many thought about the manager's future. In contrast, he is now masterminding clear progress. The task is not done yet but gradually, the team are getting closer to securing their survival. Looking Ahead The Yorkshire club have a Premier League trip to St James' Park in midweek, followed by the start of their domestic cup campaign next weekend. Manchester United face a league trip to Turf Moor before also entering their cup journey with a home tie.