Leeds secured victory at the Riverside Stadium after a three-game run without a win courtesy of Dan James’ third-minute strike.
United were denied two legitimate goals for offside during the course of the match as first Ao Tanaka and then substitute Patrick Bamford saw goals chalked off by the assistant referees.
Leeds held out for all three points and return to the top of the Championship table after Sheffield United were beaten by Millwall and Burnley were held by Derby County.
Here are the ratings.
13. Willy Gnonto (sub): 7/10
Bright from the second he came on and set up a good goal that should have counted. | Getty Images
14. Sam Byram (sub): 6/10
Gave away a dangerous free-kick with a slip and his flank came under pressure like it did for Firpo but made a couple of big interventions. | Owen Humphreys/PA Wire
15. Patrick Bamford (sub): 8/10
Occupied defenders, scored a perfectly good goal and had it disallowed, got stuck in to win the ball, win free-kicks and take Leeds to safe positions. | Owen Humphreys/PA Wire
16. Joshua Guilavogui (sub): N/A
On for the final few seconds to see it out. Photo: George Wood
17. Referee - Andrew Kitchen: 7/10
A referee who was let down badly by his linos. Refereed it pretty sensibly. | Getty Images