Rio Ferdinand endured a tortuous return to Elland Road as his former club Leeds took their revenge on Manchester United.

Outplayed in the first half, Leeds hit back after the interval and Harry Kewell's headed winner proved the difference.

Ferdinand, whose �30m move across the Pennines incurred the wrath of Leeds fans, was booed every time he touched the ball.

Yet when his new team needed him most, Ferdinand was nowhere to be seen as Kewell darted into the visitors' area to score.

Leeds again owed a huge debt for their victory, their first in 10 attempts against United, to goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who pulled off a series of superb saves.

And Jonathan Woodgate, for whom Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale claimed Ferdinand had been bought as cover, was outstanding as he repelled United's attack time after time.

With so much of the pre-match hype focused on Ferdinand's return to the club, it would have been easy to overlook the fact that a football match had to be played.

But that was never going to be the case given the fierce rivalry between the two sides and, in line with previous encounters, the game started at a frenetic pace.

Leeds, unchanged from their impressive victory at Newcastle, surged forward with gusto, putting Ferdinand under close scrutiny, if any more was really needed.

Despite the unfamiliar midfield, Phil Neville drafted into middle in the absence of the injured Juan Sebastian Veron and John O'Shea recalled to the side, United settled well.

Indeed, the visitors went on to boss the half, their football free-flowing and incisive yet lacking the clinical finish it deserved.

Ryan Giggs drifted menacingly and, following a beautiful stepover from Mikael Silvestre's pass, played a clever one-two with Ruud van Nistelrooy which released the Dutchman into the area.

Van Nistelrooy took one touch too many and was foiled by Leeds goalkeeper Robinson.

Leeds defended stoutly and they had to given the unrelenting red tidal wave they faced. Two goalline clearances from Ian Harte and Woodgate maintained parity.

The introduction of Eirik Bakke, for the ineffective Nicky Barmby, after the interval gave Leeds some much-needed impetus. The withdrawal of Butt for United also helped their cause.

Robinson again proved Van Nistelrooy's nemesis, making another breathtaking save to keep the scores level.

Kewell strikes

His stop swung the momentum in Leeds' favour and they capitalised fully.

A quick passage of play saw the ball played out to Harte, who whipped in the perfect cross for an unmarked Kewell to head past Barthez.

Not a Manchester United defender, not even Ferdinand, in sight.

Leeds: Robinson, Mills, Woodgate, Matteo (Radebe 45), Harte, Barmby (Bakke 45), Bowyer, Dacourt, Kewell, Smith, Viduka (McPhail 72).
Subs Not Used: Martyn, Kelly.

Booked: Smith, Harte.

Man Utd: Barthez, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Blanc, Silvestre, Phil Neville, Beckham, Butt (Chadwick 63), Giggs, van Nistelrooy (Forlan 71), Solskjaer.
Subs Not Used: Ricardo, Pugh, Roche.

Booked: Solskjaer.

Attendance: 39,622

Referee: Jeff Winter (Cleveland)