Leeds United. Credit: Imago
Leeds United pulled off a huge 2-1 victory at Old Trafford against Manchester United on Monday night, moving six points clear of the relegation zone.
It was their first league win there in over 45 years, and it could prove to be a pivotal moment in their battle to stay in the Premier League.
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Noah Okafor was the star of the show, scoring twice in a dominant first-half display as Leeds created more than enough chances to put the game out of reach early on.
While the Swiss winger’s two goals at Old Trafford could make him a cult hero for Leeds fans, one more player, Ao Tanaka, silently proved himself again on the big stage ahead of a pivotal summer.
Darren Bent picks out Ao Tanaka for serious praise
Ao Tanaka should have scored at Old Trafford when he was through on goal, but a bad touch and some excellent last-ditch defending from Lisandro Martinez denied him.
He was taken off due to a knock later in the game, but Bent insisted that he was one of the best players on the pitch for Leeds against Manchester United.
On TalkSPORT Drive on Tuesday evening, the former striker picked Tanaka in a segment where he and Andy Goldstein were picking hidden gems in the Premier League.
Bent stressed Tanaka, and Ethan Amapdu’s performance in the middle of the park defined Leeds’ dominance over Manchester United on Monday night.
Bent said, “Okafor took all the plaudits for the two goals, but Tanaka, before he got injured, was brilliant.
“He controlled the midfield, worked hard and probably should have scored if not for some good defending from Martinez.
“He and Ampadu were brilliant.”
The midfielder gets a new lease of life
Tanaka was the best midfielder in the Championship last season and was pivotal in Leeds getting promoted to the Premier League.
However, a combination of injuries, poor performances and increased competition saw him lose his place in the team in the ongoing campaign.
He remained an unused substitute in seven straight Premier League games between the end of January and March and looked to be on his way out of Elland Road.
Ao Tanaka Performance Statistics vs Manchester United April 2026
🇯🇵 Ao Tanaka Match Stats
⏱️ Minutes Played
74′
🎯 Accurate Passes
42/50 (84%)
🔑 Key Passes
4
📐 Crosses (Accurate)
6 (6)
⬆️ Passes in Opp. Half
19/24 (79%)
🪄 Expected Assists (xA)
0.52
🚀 Total Shots
1
However, Anton Stach’s injury and the need for more drive in midfield saw him return to thes starting eleven against Manchester United on Monday night.
His performance at Old Trafford means it is going to be hard to deny him a place in the eleven against Wolves at Elland Road on Saturday.
Tanaka is back from the brink and has more or less saved his career at Leeds with the starring performance against Manchester United.