Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Leeds Live
Leeds Live
Sport
Joe Donnohue

Ralf Rangnick in for Leeds United surprise as Man United boss asks Elland Road crowd for one thing

Leeds United play host to Manchester United at Elland Road this weekend, aiming to provide a better account of themselves than in the 5-1 opening day defeat at Old Trafford.

Despite their opening day mauling, the Whites have rallied this season, and in the face of severe injury troubles, find themselves clear of the relegation zone.

While Man United are bookmakers' favourites for Sunday's fixture at Elland Road, Marcelo Bielsa's men were able to hold Rangnick's squad to a 0-0 draw last season whilst Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was still at the helm.

The Norwegian departed Old Trafford earlier this season after a three-year spell in charge. A member of the Red Devils' old guard, Solskjaer was well-versed in the rivalry with Leeds, however Man United's new boss admits he was less clued up on the history of the fixture.

"I didn't know that until a week ago but most of my colleagues have indicated this is probably one of the biggest rivalries in the Premier League," Rangnick said in his pre-match press conference.

"Of course I had those local derbies in Germany, Schalke vs Borussia Dortmund as one example," he added.

Leeds versus Manchester United remains one of English football's fiercest rivalries, especially given the length of time the Whites spent outside the top flight.

Back in the Premier League, Leeds are making up for lost time and Sunday's fixture will see a sold-out Elland Road witness the tie for the first time in 19 years.

Marcus Rashford is chopped down at Elland Road (Jon Super - Pool/Getty Images)

"Our team has a lot of experience playing in that atmosphere and it may raise their performance," Rangnick warned.

"Last year at Leeds it was behind closed doors. Everybody prefers to play in a sold-out stadium rather than an empty one and I'm looking forward to it," he finished, imploring both sets of supporters to bring the noise on Sunday afternoon.

The Manchester United manager may well be in for a surprise given the well-renowned and vocal piety of Leeds United supporters, especially when going up against their arch-rivals.

Rangnick's comments will serve as added motivation for those inside Elland Road, to leave the German in no doubt as to the seriousness of the historic rivalry.

Elland Road is expected to embrace a hostile atmosphere throughout Sunday's fixture.

Kick-off between Leeds and Manchester United is at 2pm.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.