Jermaine Beckford’s Goal for Leeds Versus Manchester United

Leeds United’s hotshot striker scores the only goal of the game as the League One side dump fierce rivals Manchester United out of the FA Cup at Old Trafford.

After a disappointing Third Round Saturday in which some questioned whether ‘the magic of the FA Cup’ was still alive, Leeds spectacularly restored the faith with a brave, yet accomplished, performance.

Feisty challenges from both sides reminded us of great battles from years gone by, but hostilities have been put in hold recently with Leeds now playing in the third tier of English soccer. Their victory over the 2009 Premier League Champions and Champions League finalists may just be remembered in years to come as the shock of the decade.

Jermaine Beckford already has 16 league goals this season, and although already 26, is tipped for a move up the divisions in this month’s transfer window. His well-taken goal, and the fact that he gave Wes Brown a torrid afternoon, will surely have added a million or two onto his likely transfer fee.

Beckford fired another shot narrowly wide, whilst sub Robert Snodgrass went mightily close to doubling the away side’s advantage, his free-kick cannoning back off the crossbar. Although Sir Alex Ferguson’s side pressured the visitors’ goal in the closing stages – Wayne Rooney and subsitute Michael Owen missing great opportunities – Beckford’s first-half strike was enough for Simon Grayson’s side to progress into the fourth round.

Grayson said after the game: "It is unbelievable, a tremendous result that has been a long time coming. I am really proud of the lads. I thought we had a few chances to make it 2-0 late on. We dug in when we needed to but we also played some good football."

Jermaine Beckford Highlights

Here’s a compilation video of some of Beckford’s goals. Don’t think he’ll be wearing a Leeds’ United shirt for much longer, as one of the big EPL clubs will come calling soon.

”There are three scenarios,” said Grayson. ”He can either sign a new contract now, or we can keep him until the end of the season and he leaves then. The worst-case scenario is that we are offered some money now that is too good to turn down. ‘But we would have to have replacements lined up if that was to happen.”