They may have only shared the same division in four of the last 22 seasons, but this rivalry remains fierce and a fervent atmosphere in the winter sunshine greeted the players.
It spurred Leeds onto an energetic start, but it was the visitors who had the ball in the back of the net early, though Matheus Cunha’s brilliant volley was chalked off for an offside in the build-up.
Quality in the final third was at a premium in a competitive contest that was often trapped in midfield, though a rare moment of class saw Leeds come close to the opener when Anton Stach’s teasing cross from the right was glanced against the far post by the head of the in-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The first goalkeeper to be worked was the hosts’ Lucas Perri, who made a stunning reaction stop to prevent Leny Yoro from netting his first Premier League goal with a flicked header from point-blank range.
Cunha and Patrick Dorgu then missed the target in a strong end to the half for the Red Devils, but Leeds’ solidity perhaps wasn’t surprising given that only two sides have conceded fewer first-half goals than them in the PL this term.
Their failure to register a shot on target before the break must’ve frustrated Daniel Farke and the home fans alike, with the contest finely poised ahead of the restart.
A similar pattern continued after the interval, with Senne Lammens on hand to keep out Gabriel Gudmundsson’s drive at the near post.
With openings in the final third still fleeting, it took a momentary lapse from United defender Ayden Heaven to pave the way for the opening goal, as he was beaten to a loose ball by Brenden Aaronson, and the American slotted home with the eighth of his last nine Leeds goals to come at Elland Road.
It marked the 15th successive league away game that United had conceded in - their worst run since 1986 - but they launched a recovery bid immediately.
Moments after coming off the bench, Joshua Zirkzee immediately helped United to restore parity, slotting in Cunha, who beat countryman Perri with an effort that trickled over the line.
Benjamin Sesko fired wide, and Cunha hit the post as the visitors chased a late winner, while Joel Piroe curled over at the other end as the spoils were ultimately shared.
A draw means that Leeds have won just one of their last 20 Premier League meetings with United, while they’re now eight points clear of the relegation zone.
Ruben Amorim’s men have registered only one win in five league outings, and while this result stretches their unbeaten league run against promoted teams to 26 matches, they missed out on the chance to move into the top four.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United)