Story bySteven GoffContributing writerMon, January 5, 2026 at 5:30 AM UTC·6 min readIn the 62nd minute of Leeds United’s clash with Manchester United on Sunday, Brenden Aaronson won over the Elland Road crowd with his first goal in more than two months. The English Premier League match would end in a 1-1 draw, leaving Leeds in the bottom five, but for both the West Yorkshire club and the 25-year-old American midfielder, the goal was another bright moment after a November swoon. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJust six weeks ago, Leeds manager Daniel Farke was so concerned about the relentless social-media criticism aimed at Aaronson that he spoke out with great passion. With Leeds unbeaten in seven straight and the U. S. men’s national team veteran playing well, both have been able to breathe easier. Aaronson provided the lead Sunday, slipping into defender Ayden Heaven’s blind spot to pounce on Pascal Struijk’s well-weighted throughball.
