Manchester United battled back from two goals down to earn a draw against Leeds United at home but failed to usurp Manchester City for the second place in the league table.
Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho’s quickfire goals in the second half cancelled out Leeds’ advantage that the visitors secured through Wilfried Gnonto and a Rpahel Varance own goal.
The result keeps Man United in third place with 43 points but just three points above fourth-placed Newcastle who have a game in hand and two behind Man City who plays Aston Villa on Sunday.
Leeds, under the charge of caretaker boss Michael Skubala following the dismissal of Jesse Marsch, took a shock lead after just 55 seconds on the clock. The visitors pressing caught United off-guard before Gnonto drilled a shot past David De Gea.
Erik ten Hag’s men eventually found their footing with Marcel Sabitzer skying a volley before Alejandro Garnacho wasted a couple of goal-scoring opportunities himself.
Their wastefulness proved costly as Raphael Varane inadvertently put Crysencio Summerville’s cross into his own net as Leeds’ seven-game skid looked to coming to an end.
But in another testament to Ten Hag’s teachings, United fired back immediately, first thought Rashford who headed in his sixth consecutive goal at Old Trafford in the 62nd minute before Sancho restored parity in the 70th minute.
Neither side could find the winner though Leeds left happier of the two sides as the vital point lifts them above West Ham and into 16th place on goal difference, a point above the relegation zone.
Manchester United and Leeds will again square off on Sunday in the reverse fixture.
