The match occurred on the 68th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster, for which both sides wore black armbands, laid wreaths and perfectly observed a minute's silence alongside supporters in Leigh.
United started well but went a goal behind when Justin Oguntolu headed in an Isaac Gordon cross midway through the first half.
The visitors then had Marsel Tola sent off following a second yellow card. Derby defended well for the next 30 minutes, but substitute Louie Bradbury secured a point in the last moments with a strike inside the six-yard box.
