Luke Chadwick still dining on the pride of scoring against Leeds for Man Utd

Luke Chadwick scored one of his two goals for Manchester United against bitter rivals Leeds. The former academy graduate recalls the biggest highlight of his time at Old Trafford from a trip to Elland Road.

This week marked the 27th anniversary of Luke Chadwick’s Manchester United debut. It also coincides with Sunday’s Premier League match against Leeds, one of the two teams he scored against, in making 25 appearances for the club.

United are looking for their first league win since August’s 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town. [line on Tuesday’s meeting vs Atletico Madrid]

It’s a good time to hear from a former United player who knows what it takes to score against Leeds, even if it was from two yards out. We can only hope the story inspires Michael Carrick’s forward players to take responsibility this weekend.

Chadwick’s goal against Leeds at Elland Road on March 3, 2001 is the personal highlight of his United career. The plot twist is United didn’t actually win the match.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s shot was denied by Nigel Martyn before Chadwick found himself in the right place at the right time to give United the lead. Leeds went on to equalise through Mark Viduka, though the point proved vital as United marched on to win the Premier League title.

United survived early pressure after Ian Harte missed a penalty for Leeds. Chadwick’s goal came as a smash-and-grab raid until Viduka spoiled the evening by levelling the scoreline. It could have been worse as Wes Brown turned a Lee Bowyer cross into his own net in injury time. Thankfully, it was ruled out by referee Graham Barber for offside. The points were split in a competitive game – not necessarily dirty – that saw eight players booked.

It proved to be Chadwick’s second and final goal for United, having scored against Brentford earlier that season. He told United In Focus about the strike he cherishes against Leeds, noting how it was a shame not to have won the game for the Reds.

“I think that’s the goal that, for anyone that does remember me, I’ll be remembered for. I still dine out on that goal today.

“It was just a shame it didn’t end up being the winner. I remember Mark Viduka equalised, but it was without doubt the highlight of my Manchester United career to come on and score a goal against fierce rivals.

“We spoke about the hostile environment at Aston Villa. It was certainly a lot more hostile that day at Elland Road. So to get a goal… I don’t think anyone could have missed it really.

“It was 2 yards out. Nigel Martyn split it right in front of me, but it was a special moment and something that, like when I look back now, I can say that I scored for Manchester United against Leeds United and, as we said, a Derby, where both teams really, really dislike each other. It was a special moment and something that I’ll never, ever forget.”