One of the most anticipated matches in the 3rd round of the English FA Cup was Manchester United v Leeds United on Sunday, January 3, 2010. Leeds, who are now in League One, have a rich history but have fallen in recent years due to a number of problems. Currently, they are in position to win promotion to the Championship and could be in the EPL as early as 2012. Manchester United continue to be near the top of the table in the EPL this season but have showed some vulnerability. Here’s a recap along with video highlights of the match.
Manchester United 0-1 Leeds United – Video Highlights
Leeds United rolled back the years as they produced the stand-out result of this weekend’s FA Cup Third Round with a stunning 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Jermaine Beckford’s first-half goal was enough to seal a glorious triumph for the League One side who were cheered on by a travelling support of 9,000 fanatical supporters.
It brought back memories of the days when Manchester United against Leeds was one of the top fixtures of the Premiership season and judging by this performance Simon Grayson’s side are on their way back to where many believe they belong.
Leeds are already top of League One following an impressive start to the season and now, against all the odds, they are also through to the Fourth Round of The FA Cup after humbling Sir Alex Ferguson’s side on home soil.
“Full credit to the players as they’ve been outstanding today, but it’s what they have been like all season” said Leeds manager Grayson. “Our fans were amazing too and I’m sure they’ll be celebrating in Leeds tonight.”
Leeds captain Richard Naylor was also delighted. “It’s unbelievable” he said.“It’s tremendous and we’re all really proud of the result.”
Beckford’s winner came after 19 minutes when he out-paced Wes Brown to reach Johnny Howson’s excellent through-ball and somehow squeeze the ball home.
“It was a good ball from Jonathan Howson and Jermaine got in there and nine times out of 10 he finishes them off, and that’s what he did,” said Grayson.
“He gave us an opportunity to go on and win the game from there and with a bit of luck that’s what we did.”
Beckford was by no means the only Leeds player to shine, however.
Although Ferguson’s side had plenty of possession it was the passion and commitment of Leeds – and their fanatical supporters – that won the day.
In fact, Leeds had chances to extend their lead – notably when Luciano Becchio headed wide in the first half and then when Beckford slid another chance agonizingly wide after the break.
Substitute Robert Snodgrass struck the crossbar with an excellent free-kick late on while Manchester United missed a hatful of chances to get back in the game – Wayne Rooney going close on four or five occasions.
In the end, though, it was the visitors’ day. United had never lost in the Third Round of the Cup before or been knocked out by a lower division side during Ferguson’s 23-year reign as manager. But they have now – and that is a measure of Leeds’ performance.
MAN UTD 0, LEEDS UNITED 1 (Beckford 19)
Man U: Kuszczak, Neville, Brown, Evans, Da Silva, Welbeck (Valenica 58), Anderson (Owen 69), Obertain (Giggs 58), Gibson, Rooney, Berbatov. Subs: Tosic, Carrick, Da Silva, Amos.
Leeds: Ankergren, Crowe, Naylor, Kisnorbo, Hughes (White 90), Howson (Snodgrass 77), Kilkenny, Doyle, Johnson, Beckford, Becchio (Michalik 89). Subs: Prutton, Grella, Capaldi, Martin.
Referee: C Foy
Booked: Brown, Gibson (Man U), Naylor (Leeds)
Att: 74,526
