The Red Devils had taken the lead through Paul Scholes against a Leeds side who were without their two biggest names, Mark Viduka and 'keeper Paul Robinson. It had been an hour of dominance before the opening goal for United, but the visitors defence and 18-year-old debutant 'keeper Scott Carson proved difficult to break down and probably laid the foundations for a point that sadly could give Eddie Gray's side the confidence and boost they need to stay up this season.

Prior to kick-off there was a minute silence for British footballing legend John Charles, who sadly died this morning. The Welsh international spent some of the best days of his career at Leeds United, and the silence was impeccably observed by all sections of the ground. The restricted Leeds following of 1,700 were clearly grateful for United’s participation in the silence, but when the game begun the standard Roses derby atmosphere got going!

Sir Alex Ferguson decided to rest the influential Roy Keane with Europe in mind and were also without French debutant goalscorer Louis Saha.

The ginger-ninja Paul Scholes beautifully set up Ryan Giggs to hit the post on the 20th minute, that being United's first chance of the afternoon. Mikael Silvestre was substituted minutes later by Wes Brown. The Frenchman looked to have picked up an injury.

Scholes was again creating room for everyone and setting up his team-mates. This time he set up Brazilian World Cup winner Kleberson, whos left-footed shot just missed the target from the edge of the box.

American 'keeper Tim Howard was untested in the first half until he fumbled Stephen McPhail's free-kick and the American international nearly scored an own goal.

Leeds started the second period all fired up and ready to test Tim Howard, but they couldn't break the United defence down. Eddie Grey's outfit constantly showed determination and were dominating the possession.

Sir Alex Ferguson had enough and sent out skipper Roy Keane to help turn the game around. He replaced the unconvincing Kleberson.

Within 6 minutes of Keane's arrival United eventually broke the deadlock after Scott Carson parried Gay Neville's shot into the path of Paul Scholes, who hammered the ball home. 1-0 United.

Just 3 minutes later United just tossed away their lead and potentially their crown when Alan Smith's header found a way past Tim Howard. 1-1 - game on.

Leeds continued to battle United and were solid in defence. So Sir Alex sent out Ole Gunner Solskjaer, making his first appearance for 5 months, to try and spice up the attack. But he couldn't, United had threw the game away.

Full Time - Manchester United 1-1 Leeds United
Attendance - 67,744

Manchester United: Howard, Gary Neville, O'Shea, Silvestre (Brown 24), Fortune, Kleberson (Keane 58), Butt, Phil Neville (Solskjaer 71), Scholes, van Nistelrooy, Giggs.
Subs Not Used: Ronaldo, Carroll.

Leeds United: Carson, Kelly, Caldwell, Matteo, Domi, McPhail, Seth Johnson, Bakke, Pennant, Milner (Sakho 73), Smith.
Subs Not Used: Allaway, Harte, Radebe, Olembe.

Contact the Author