Credit: Tung Manh Phan

Richie Mills

Tue 14 April 2026 9:10, UK

Jaka Bijol certainly won the battle of the Slovenian giants with Benjamin Sesko in Leeds United‘s 2-1 win at Manchester United on Monday.

A first-half brace from Noah Okafor put Leeds on the path to their first league win at Old Trafford since 1981, and in truth, they should have been further ahead at the break.

Lisandro Martinez’s second-half red card seemed to galvanise the hosts on 13 April, with Casemiro’s header setting up a frantic finale.

But defenders such as Bijol led by example as United huffed and puffed but could not breach Leeds’ backline for a second time.

Bijol faced off against compatriot Sesko and came out on top for Leeds against United to go six points clear of the relegation zone with six matches remaining.

Jaka Bijol outshines £74m Man Utd signing

When Bijol signed for Leeds from Udinese for £17million last summer, many Whites fans thought he would be their new starting centre-back.

After a Serie A suspension carried over into the first game of this season, Bijol was behind Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon in defence.

Indeed, he had to wait until late October for his first start in a 2-1 win over West Ham.

The 27-year-old has been a more regular fixture since then, with the Slovenia international developing a reputation for being a hard-hitting, no-nonsense defender in the English top-flight.

That was plain to see against United on Monday as he did his level best to keep the Red Devils’ £74m man Sesko quiet. While the striker won five of his six aerial duels, Bijol bested him when it came to ground duels.

Sesko was kept at arm’s length for much of the encounter, with the former RB Leipzig ace having four unsuccessful touches and mustering an Expected Goals tally of 0.31.

According to Sofascore, Bijol made 12 defensive contributions and won 66 per cent of his tackles, while Sesko won just one of his four ground duels against the centre-back.

Bijol also made a last-ditch challenge on Bryan Mbeumo in the second half to preserve their lead, putting any pre-match injury worries behind him.

Sesko did keep Bijol honest, mind, with the 6ft 5in striker nutmegging his fellow countryman in the second half before Karl Darlow and then James Justin came to the rescue.

But at a time when Leeds are missing stalwart Joe Rodon, Bijol’s performance, in addition to Justin stepping in at right centre-back, means Daniel Farke will have slept easier on Monday night.

The Wales international may not return until May, but that backline of Bijol, Justin, and Pascal Struijk are more than capable of keeping their defence intact.

Leeds take giant step towards Premier League safety

Not only did Leeds beat United, but they should have been four goals to the good in the first half. Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ao Tanaka spurned big chances either side of Okafor’s double.

United roared back in the second half, particularly after losing Martinez to a red card for pulling Calvert-Lewin’s hair.

But the manner of Leeds’ performance, especially in the first half, was befitting of a side that merits its place in the Premier League.

Leeds are now six points ahead of 18th-placed Tottenham with six games to go. Next up, they face basement side Wolves at Elland Road on Saturday.

If they win that, Farke’s team will be within touching distance of Premier League safety.

Leeds fans were targeting wins over Wolves and Burnley in their run-in. So to beat United and end their 45-year wait for a win at Old Trafford is one to savour.