Leeds dump Manchester United out of the FA Cup

FA Cup, 3rd round: Manchester United 0 Leeds 1. The new decade is only a few days old but it has already witnessed one of the biggest cup upsets it is likely to see, as League One Leeds United beat their fierce rivals from Manchester at Old Trafford.

Jermaine Beckford's goal after 19 minutes proved the difference as the Yorkshire side put in an astonishing performance to maintain their lead against United's big guns. The home side finished the game with Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen all on the field, but even they could not break down the Leeds defence.

It was the first time Manchester United had lost to lower division opposition or been knocked out in the third round during Sir Alex Ferguson's 23-year reign at the club. It was also the first time Leeds had beaten United at home since 1981.

Afterwards Ferguson said his side's performance had been "shocking" but admitted Leeds deserved to win. The irascible United boss also took a swipe at referee Chris Foy for only adding five mimutes of injury time.

As giant killings go it ranks with Wrexham's defeat of Arsenal in 1992, Bournemouth's besting of Manchester United in 1984 and Shrewsbury's win over Everton in 2003.

It was not a match for the faint-hearted. The Uniteds of Leeds and Manchester have plenty of history and the 9,000 visiting fans made it clear that they had not come to see their side roll over for the Premier League champions.

The Leeds players responded with a passionate performance that harked back to the days before the club's dramatic fall from grace.

The visitors refused to let United get on top of them and then took the lead when Beckford escaped Wes Brown and raced onto a long ball from Jonathan Howard to beat keeper Tomas Kuszczak.

Even then they continued to take the game to Manchester United, and could have extended their lead in the second half when Beckford shot inches wide and Robert Snodgrass hit the bar with a free kick.

Jason Crowe made a fine goal line clearance in the first half to thwart Rooney and Leeds keeper Casper Ankergren was forced into several saves as full time approached.

Owen miskicked with the goal at his mercy after being set up by Antonio Valencia and Ankergren made a great stop to deny Rooney in injury time, prompting a dramatic goalmouth scramble for the rebound.

But in the end Leeds survived, prompting wild celebrations at the final whistle, led by manager Simon Grayson.

The bad news for Leeds is they will have to do it all again in the next round when they face Spurs at White Hart Lane. ·