Bryan Mbeumo stole in to fire the visitors into a half-time lead, but Leeds hit back early in the second period through Calvert-Lewin’s thumping finish.
Leeds fans held high hopes of securing their first home win over the Red Devils in 45 years after Michael Carrick’s side had won only one of their previous six league games this season.
There was little in terms of quality on show from either side in a full-blooded derby clash, but Carrick will have no complaints about his players’ application as they matched Leeds’ intensity to earn a deserved point.
Elland Road was a swirling cauldron of noise at kick off and it made for a frenetic, scruffy start.
Ampadu was given an early talking to by referee Darren England after clattering into Carlos Baleba and Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes was booked for his late challenge on Tarik Muharemovic.
Nico Elvedi’s downward header was well saved by visiting goalkeeper Senne Lammens and the unmarked Mbeumo headed wide at the other end.
Mbeumo made amends, though, firing the visitors into a 35th-minute lead as he gave James Justin the slip to turn home Youri Tielemans’ low cross for his fourth goal of the season.
Leeds spurned two chances for an early riposte, with Ao Tanaka’s tame effort easily gathered by Lammens before Calvert-Lewin headed wide.
Muharemovic’s header from a corner fell to Calvert-Lewin on the edge of the six-yard box and the England striker held off Mbeumo’s challenge to slam home his finish.
The home fans increased the volume as Leeds forced the visitors on to the backfoot.
Tanaka and Noah Okafor blazed shots over the crossbar, while Fernandes offered his side brief respite with a shot on the turn that flew wide.
Another effort from Fernandes was easily held by James Trafford before Leeds midfielder Anton Stach wasted an opening for the home side by blazing over from the edge of the box.
Leeds went close to snatching all three points in the closing stages, but Stach’s low shot following a goalmouth scramble was snaffled by Lammens and their 24-year wait for a home win against the Reds Devils continued.