🔗 Share this article Matheus Cunha Scores to Snatch Manchester United a Point at Leeds. The home side's Noah Okafor shields the ball from the opposition's Leny Yoro in the top-flight clash at their home ground. At a Glance Calvert-Lewin watches a first-half header ricochet off the post. Aaronson puts the home side ahead with a low effort in the second period. Matheus Cunha equalises just three minutes later. Leeds continue their longest Premier League unbeaten run since the turn of the century. The Red Devils' disappointing recent struggles continued at Elland Road, but manager the Portuguese tactician had his Brazilian forward to thank for his side avoiding even more disappointment against Leeds. The Everton loanee headed a first-period attempt against the post for the in-form home team before the American midfielder applied a cool finish with a low, 62nd-minute shot. At that stage, the United boss was in the firing line after his side had failed to beat bottom-of-the-table Wolves at home earlier in the week. Nevertheless, against a team who had two days less to prepare, Cunha levelled three minutes after the opener when he ran on to a through ball from introduced Joshua Zirkzee and guided a shot underneath rushing home goalkeeper Lucas Perri. It was only the Brazilian's fourth goal since his big-money summer move and came at a time when the manager is without several key attacking players due to a combination of injury and international duty. Not that you would expect Leeds to care about that given their own lack of preparation time. Noah Okafor forced a diving save out of Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens with a audacious overhead kick, and visiting heads were in hands when the Slovenian striker, who is finding it hard to make an impression, turned Zirkzee's cut-back wide from close range. Cunha, who had a goal ruled out for offside much earlier in the match, also fired against a post late on. The draw prolongs the home side's unbeaten run to seven matches, their best such streak since over two decades ago, and takes them eight points clear of the drop zone. For the Manchester United though, it was yet another chance to move into the Champions League places, albeit only for a matter of hours, squandered. Manchester United Breakdown: Amorim's Side Misfire Again With the Africa Cup of Nations reaching its latter stages, Amorim could be understood for hoping the participating nations make a pretty quick exit. Current injuries to captain Bruno Fernandes and England international Mason Mount only heightened the impact the absence of other attackers is having on the team's options. It's not that the absent players are the solution to all of United's problems. After all, they were part of the side that suffered poor results earlier in the campaign. But without them, Amorim has few attacking options. He clearly does not trust teenager Shea Lacey or the seasoned Joshua Zirkzee, even though the Netherlands forward delivered the assist for Cunha's equaliser almost instantly after his arrival as a substitute. That leaves Cunha, who has now scored a small tally in five games, and others playing out of their preferred positions, alongside Sesko. On this evidence, the expensive frontman looks similar to previous underwhelming signings, lacking in belief and conviction in front of goal. His failure to turn home Zirkzee's cross means it is now a long run without a goal for the new signing. Leeds United Breakdown: A Further Step Towards Safety After thrilling victories in their previous home games, the arrival of their biggest rivals to Elland Road was a comparatively subdued affair. True, there were instances of expected fervor, but the hostile edge was not as evident as in previous encounters. The home fans were more concerned about their side's inability to get worthwhile possession in dangerous areas for any prolonged period. The Calvert-Lewin header that clipped the post was an isolated moment of threat in a congested first half. It still felt as though the hosts were finding it tough when a mistake opened the door for the opener. Ever so briefly, Leeds' delirious fans thought they were about to secure a rare win against Manchester United. However, there is a wider context for the manager and the club to deal with. When they endured a difficult run of form earlier in the season, many thought about the manager's future. Instead, he is now masterminding clear improvement. The job is not done yet but gradually, Leeds are getting nearer to achieving their survival. Looking Ahead The Yorkshire club have a top-flight trip to Newcastle in midweek, followed by the start of their FA Cup campaign next weekend. The Red Devils face a Premier League trip to Turf Moor before also entering their FA Cup journey with a home tie.