Relegation-threatened Leeds United produced a shock 2-1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday, boosting their bid to avoid the drop.

Noah Okafor was the hero for Leeds, scoring twice in the first half to punish United’s defensive lapses and secure the club’s first league win at Old Trafford in 45 years.

Leeds took the lead in the fifth minute when Okafor capitalised on a defensive error to finish from close range. The forward doubled the advantage in the 29th minute, with his strike taking a deflection off United defender Leny Yoro before beating goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

United’s problems worsened after the break when Lisandro Martínez was sent off in the 56th minute for pulling the hair of Dominic Calvert-Lewin following a VAR review.

Despite being reduced to 10 men, United pulled one back in the 69th minute through Casemiro, who headed home a cross from Bruno Fernandes.

Leeds, however, held firm under late pressure to secure a crucial victory, their first against United since a 2010 FA Cup upset and their first top-flight win in the fixture since 2002.

The win lifted Daniel Farke’s side six points clear of the relegation zone with six matches remaining. They also have an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley on April 26.

For United, it was a setback in their push for a top-five finish and UEFA Champions League qualification.