The Football Association is to launch an investigation into fan disorder at Elland Road on Sunday after Manchester United players were pelted with missiles during their 4-2 win against Leeds.

In the latest incident to blight the return of football supporters following the Covid-19 lockdown, United winger Anthony Elanga required medical treatment on the pitch after being hit by an object in the aftermath of his team’s third goal.

More missiles were thrown after Bruno Fernandes made it 4-2, with Harry Maguire and Paul Pogba seemingly struck. Home supporters were also heard singing songs about the 1958 Munich air disaster and red flares were tossed on to the pitch by travelling fans.

The scenes follow a surge in fan-related violence this season and, with Leeds having already promised an inquiry, the FA has also decided to investigate Sunday’s disorder.

“Those things should not be happening,” said Ralf Rangnick, the Manchester United interim manager. “As far as I know there is some investigation from Leeds … Elanga looked well and was happy from scoring his goal. Obviously, things like that shouldn’t happen. When I walked on to the pitch [following some pushing and shoving by players from both sides] it was to try to calm things down.”

Football-related arrests have risen in English football over the first half of the season by around 50 per cent, with increases across offences relating to pyrotechnics, alcohol, thrown missiles, pitch encroachment and hate crime.

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger was hit by lighters during the win over Tottenham last month.

Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa was circumspect in his assessment of Sunday’s incidents, saying: “I can’t evaluate what you spoke about because I didn’t see it.”

The victory was much needed for Rangnick, even if it was a game his side effectively had to win twice after throwing away, and then restoring, a two-goal lead.

“It was the best reply they could give to some articles last week that there was some disruption in the locker room. This was a game you can only win with the mentality of the team,” he said.

The defeat leaves Leeds deep in relegation trouble following six defeats in 10 games. “It is impossible not to be worried,” Bielsa said. “We have conceded 50 goals. How can I not feel responsible?”

Coin-throwing, pyros and 19 years of pent-up hate – a day in the Elland Road bearpit

By Luke Edwards at Elland Road

The train driver who had taken some of Manchester United’s supporters into Yorkshire summed things up as he pulled into Leeds station. “Welcome to Leeds,” he said aboard the Transpennine Express. “Actually you’re not welcome at all but here we are.”

It was greeted with nervous laughter, tension as well anticipation gripping those waiting to step on to the platform and into the city beyond.

It is a journey Manchester United supporters had not made for a game at Elland Road since a League Cup tie in 2011. They had not been here for a Premier League game since October 2003 when a Roy Keane goal secured victory.

This was the away trip Manchester United fans had been looking forward to. In these stormy February days, this was always going to be one of the most tempestuous trips of the season.

The atmosphere was already febrile before a ball had been kicked in anger, a deep-throated roar greeting Leeds for simply emerging for the warm-up.  

Outside the ground the police were on high alert. There is always an ugly side to these occasions. In the city centre, police drew batons and threatened travelling supporters with pepper spray as they tried to force their way out of a bar to fight with the Leeds fans circling them.