Bryan Mbeumo's performance wasn't flawless by any means.

He should have done much better when he missed the target with a free header before he scored, and the former Brentford man then failed to prevent Dominic Calvert-Lewin powering in an equaliser just after half-time.

But in a campaign when so many of Michael Carrick's attacking players are struggling – skipper Bruno Fernandes has been a shadow of the player who broke the Premier League assists record last season even though the United boss said the Portuguese was 'absolutely fine' – Mbeumo's performances have been vital.

Their importance has been heightened by the continued absence of striker Benjamin Sesko with a shin injury.

Mbeumo spent the first few games on the right of United's attack when Amad Diallo was ruled out by injury. When Amad returned, Mbeumo moved into the number nine role.

At Elland Road he was shifted again, to the left as Fernandes played more through the middle.

"When you are the kind of player who can be very good in a lot of positions, managers will always say: 'Can you do this? Can you do that?'" former Red Devils striker Dion Dublin told BBC Sport.

"When you're in this Manchester United team at the moment, you just have to go where is best for the team."

Carrick was even more effusive in his praise.

"Bryan gives so much to the team," he said. "He sacrifices so much.

"He's willing to do pretty much anything that needs to be done to benefit the team - whether that's defending in certain areas, whether that's attacking. He'll give everything he's got.

"He's getting in really good positions to be really dangerous for us, and it's great to have him."