Here are the Leeds United evening headlines on Monday, June 6.
Page’s touching Gary Speed tribute after play-of triumph
Rob Page became just the second man to guide Wales to a World Cup when his side beat Ukraine 1-0 in the final play-off round on Sunday evening. He was keen to remember those that came before him after the game, including the late Leeds United legend Gary Speed who transformed Welsh football during his tenure as manager.
"I've said in the build-up, Gary Speed started this 12 or 13 years ago," Page told Wales Online after the win. "I want to dedicate this to Gary. He started the culture, 12 years ago. There was a difference, there was a change.
READ MORE: Dan James celebrates with Wales as Leeds United star helps end 64-year World Cup wait
“The environment completely changed. I've inherited that, Chris Coleman took it on and took it to another level, and I've inherited that group. We're confident going into games now. We don't hope to qualify for the World Cup or Euros now, we believe we can do it, so there's been a massive change in the mentality as well."
Hopes of a Milner & Leeds reunion dashed by Liverpool extension
Leeds fans have hoped, since returning to the Premier League, that there might be a reunion with Whites academy graduate James Milner. His contract at Liverpool was due to expire this month which encouraged fans at Elland Road that a return on a free transfer could be on the cards.
However, Milner has now extended his time at Anfield, taking a sizeable pay cut on his previous £140,000-a-week deal. At the age of 36, that all-but rules out the chance of a long-awaited reunion at Leeds as retirement or a more relaxed final career move is likely to succeed the expiration of his contract on Merseyside.
Aaronson praised for role in USMNT draw
After scoring and playing a key role in the USMNT’s win against Morocco on Thursday, Brenden Aaronson found himself amongst the substitutes for the visit of Uruguay. He was introduced into the midfield at half-time with the scoreline goalless.
Despite not being able to help his side break the deadlock, the Leeds new boy was praised for his second-half performance. Giving his player ratings from the goalless draw for MLS Soccer, Ben Wright wrote: “The Leeds-bound man once again played in a central midfield (No. 8) role, and once again brought a spark and an edge to the match that had been previously lacking. Aaronson had the right ideas in possession, and showed a grit that will serve him well in the Premier League.”
