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In the circumstances Leeds emerged with a great deal of credit for an outstanding defensive display in no small way assisted by Villa's inept finishing.
Villa and Leeds, two of the most inconsistent teams in the Premiership, often cancelled each other out in a first half which contained several phases of good football but no positive finishing from either side.
The build-up was often skilful but neither side could get on the target.
Typical of what was in store occurred when Gareth Barry displayed a neat touch to put himself into a goalscoring position only to waste the opportunity with a weak shot.
Danny Mills, too, should have done better when Nick Barmby opened up Villa's defence only to see the England defender blast his shot wide of the far post with only Peter Enckelman to beat.
Leeds, winners on three of their previous four visits to Villa Park, played with plenty of determination but Alan Smith could make little impact against Steve Staunton.
Consequently Villa were able to mount their own attacks with Dion Dublin flashing wide a header from an Ulises de la Cruz cross.
Darius Vassell, keen to push forward his England claims, tested Paul Robinson with a low shot to the near post and later crashed another effort into the side-netting.
In the second half Villa switched to a more attacking formation with Juan Pablo Angel being drafted into the side.
The result was an early assault on Leeds' defence but the United rearguard was rock solid as they successfully dealt with a stream of crosses with Dominic Matteo their stalwart.