Following a tricky spell for the club, Manchester United faced a huge clash at Elland Road with bragging rights on the line.

Ending a difficult week after Lisandro Martinez’s controversial media outburst was always going to be tough – especially with a visit to one of the sides that hates them most to contend with.

United fought well at Elland Road, going ahead through a first-half Bryan Mbeumo goal, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin struck level in the second half to end the game 1-1.

We’ve picked out five key talking points from the occasion.

Out-of-position problems

Despite his comments, Lisandro Martinez was picked by Michael Carrick to start the game for Manchester United. At half-time, the Argentine defender was hooked, with Noussair Mazraoui on in his place.

It meant the Red Devils played with a backline of Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot – all but one being out of position.

Just six minutes after the Moroccan’s introduction, Leeds struck level from a poorly-defended corner.

Baleba signing looks best

While problems in the defence stood out as weaknesses, Carlos Baleba certainly wasn’t an issue for Manchester United at Elland Road.

The new signing’s first Premier League start for the Red Devils since signing from Brighton & Hove Albion was marked with an excellent performance, as the Cameroonian showed his touches of class throughout a 76-minute display.

Out of United’s three midfield summer signings, Baleba looks best.

Players fired up for occasion

One key criticism of Manchester United’s players so far this season has been their lack of fight, particularly in away performances.

However, the Red Devils looked well up for the occasion on Sunday afternoon, matching the athletic Leeds United side’s running and duel-winning numbers.

Michael Carrick was unable to give his players the extra edge to win, however, as his team settled for a draw in the end.

Red Devils played for draw

The fight wasn’t quite good enough for Manchester United. By the end of the match, Leeds looked the side more likely to win it.

Even when the Red Devils won the ball back and had space to counter into, they neglected opportunities to quickly break. It felt like a team more worried of losing, than one hungry to win.

The game was certainly a building block, but not a satisfactory display.

Positives but pressure builds

Despite the positive signs, United are now winless in six matches.

Head coach Michael Carrick is only going to feel the pressure build now, and will face further questioning over his handling of the start of the season.

A midweek trip to high-flying Italian side Como awaits United next. Then, a game against AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford. They have to be targeting six points.