Manchester United U18s were held to a goalless draw at Carrington by Leeds United in the U18 Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
The fixture kicked off behind schedule due to the late arrival of the visitors.
United started the game brilliantly with Jim Thwaites’ goalbound free-kick saved by goalkeeper Alexander Baird.
James Overy, who just received his first call-up to the Australia national team, thought he had given the Young Reds the lead, only for his effort to be ruled offside.
Baird made another crucial stop, denying United captain Amir Ibragimov’s low effort from the edge of the area, following a well-worked move.
The closest United came to opening the scoring in the first half was in the 41st minute, when Noah Ajayi’s effort came back off the post.
Darren Fletcher’s side started the second half on the front foot with Ibragimov and James Bailey’s shots from just outside the area blocked by the Leeds defence.
The Whites were awarded a penalty in the 70th minute after Jacob Watson fouled Jacob Render inside the area, but goalkeeper Fred Heath saved the resultant spot kick.
Moments later, the visitors came close to scoring as Render’s close-range header from Kenneth Mensah’s pinpoint cross struck the post.
United had chances to score late in the game. Ibragimov’s effort was kept out by Baird before substitute JJ Gabriel’s curled narrowly wide.
At the other end, Heath repelled Callum Mills’ left-footed shot and Carrick Njinko’s near-post attempt.
After the final whistle, United’s Bailey and Leeds’ Njinko were shown straight red cards after they clashed on the pitch.
United are now winless in their last five league matches and sit seven points adrift of U18 Premier League North table-toppers Manchester City, who have one game in hand.