Why Gabriel Gudmundsson avoided a red card against Manchester United as fans fume

Manchester United supporters have been left questioning why Leeds defender Gabriel Gudmundsson was not sent-off in the first half.

In the 19th minute of Sunday's Premier League clash at Elland Road, Gudmundsson produced a strong challenge on Man United midfielder Andrey Santos - starting in place of the absent Kobbie Mainoo.

Replays showed that the Sweden international caught Santos on the back of his leg with his studs, causing the Brazilian to stay down before moving gingerly upon getting back to his feet.

After Man Utd were awarded a free-kick for the foul, referee Darren England showed Gudmundsson a yellow card in a decision that has incensed many United fans who felt the Leeds defender should have been given his marching orders.

The Premier League’s Match Centre have not commented on the tackle, which suggests the action was not deemed, reckless, aggressive or violent.

Man United ended up silencing large parts of Elland Road by taking the lead 10 minutes before the break as Bryan Mbeumo slid in at the front post to get a deft touch on Tielemans' cross to guide the ball into the net.

"Manchester United have played well,” Gary Neville said of Mbeumo’s goal during Sky Sports’ coverage of the game.

“Mbeumo had missed some chances but this time he takes it. It has been coming, it has been deserved."

Man United were pegged back by Leeds right at the start of the second half, meaning they will need to score again to have any hope of securing just their second win of the Premier League season and first across any competition since beating Sabah in the Champions League last month.