MANCHESTER United wrapped up a challenging week with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Leeds yesterday, a result that did little to alleviate the mounting pressure on struggling manager Michael Carrick.

The Red Devils headed to the home ground of their fierce rivals in search of a spark, having secured only two victories in their last nine matches across all competitions this season.

The perception of a deepening crisis was further fueled last week when defender Lisandro Martinez criticized the United management after a 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

The first real chance came in the 26th minute when United’s goalkeeper Senne Lammens managed to claw away a Nico Elvedi header that was headed for the top corner after it bounced off the ground.

Bryan Mbeumo, playing as the target man for United, wasted a chance a minute later by heading wide from a brilliant cross by Youri Tielemans, and then he shot weakly at Leeds’ goalkeeper James Trafford.

Martinez was substituted at halftime, with Morocco’s Noussair Mazraoui taking his place.

Leeds came out strong after the break and equalized in the 51st minute when Dominic Calvert-Lewin controlled the ball on his chest and finished on the stretch after Tarik Muharemovic got his head to the ball following a corner.

Now in control of the match, the home side restricted Carrick’s team largely to counter-attacking plays.

The United boss made attacking changes in his search for a winner by introducing Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha, but neither side could find a decisive goal.

The result left United in 13th place in the standings, while Leeds occupied the seventh spot.

Weekend Premier League results

Brentford 1 Liverpool 2, Everton 0 Chelsea 2, Fulham 1 Hull 0, Man City 3 Ipswich 2, Newcastle 0 Villa 1, Bournemouth 2 Sunderland 0, Brighton 5 Palace 0.