Alan Shearer, the man for all occasions continued his liking for Leeds with a stunning early winner.
With United having arguably their best first-half showing of the season at home, Shearer pounced with a stunning strike after only four minutes for his third goal of the season against Eddie Gray's side – he got both goals on the opening day of the season in the 2-2 draw at Elland Road.
And the win hoisted United up to sixth place from eight as they overtook both Southampton and their next home opponents Fulham.
Yet the way United start it looked as if they would be on course for a goals avalanche as they railroaded the Leeds defence.
It could not have started better. A clever lay-off by Kieron Dyer into the path of Nobby Solano saw the Peruvian charge at the Leeds defence.
Solano played in Shearer who didn't have to break stride and from the right of the area drove across Paul Robinson for his 17th goal of the season.
From then on in the opening half it was a one-way procession towards the Leeds goal as United squandered three magnificent chances.
Incredibly all three efforts were all put wide – the second from the usually deadly Shearer, sandwiched in between two Dyer chances.
Jermaine Jenas was denied his first goal of the season by the fingertips of Robinson before Dyer broke clear on the half hour mark and shot wide, but claimed he was fouled by Robinson in the process.
Three minutes from the break Shearer found himself on the penalty spot only to direct his effort wide as did Dyer in time added on when once again he was in the clear.
Leeds came into more in the second half and the impressive Mark Viduka nutmegged Titus Bramble to tee up Dominic Matteo, who responded with a woeful finish.
Solano then volleyed an Olivier Bernard cross wide before Leeds managed their first shot on target after 59 minutes when Shay Given held on to a Viduka header at the second attempt.
Three minutes later and Gary Speed came close to scoring against his former side when heading a Laurent Robert corner against the upright.
Substitute Hugo Viana was then denied by Robinson late in the game.
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