New management team Gary McAllister and Steve Staunton watched the reserves lose a dramatic Elland Road clash against Sheffield United.

Leeds had a man sent-off and one stretchered off before tumbling to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of the league leaders.

United fielded a strong side, but the visitors served notice of their intentions twice in the opening 10 minutes when they rattled the woodwork.

Rob Bayly was the first to leave the field when he was stretchered off after just 15 minutes. His injury will be assessed on Wednesday, but he left the ground on crutches.

The visitors took the lead shortly after when Nicky Law scored from the edge of the box, and United offered little in the way of a threat.

Curtis Weston did level things up early in the second period when he drilled home a low shot after a neat one-two with Seb Carole, but the Blades were soon back in front. Michael Lowton scored their second.

With 19 minutes remaining, the experienced Lee Hendrie made it 3-1 to leave United rooted to the foot of the division.

But there was more disappointment to follow when youngster Fabian Delph was shown the red card after two bookable offences.

United: Martin, Bayly (Grace 15), Huntington, Madden, Parker, Weston, Westlake, Delph, Sweeney, Carole, Elliott (Sorsa 58). Subs: Hotchkiss, Cartman, Ovington.