Leeds will be out for revenge over Manchester on Sunday afternoon in the battle of the United’s, although the on-field action won’t be centre stage.
Leeds United will host bitter rivals Manchester United at Elland Road, a game where they will be desperate to avenge the embarrassment of their 6-2 league defeat at Old Trafford back in December.
The Red Devils’ utterly dominated proceedings that day, scoring twice in the opening three minutes with both goals courtesy of midfielder Scott McTominay.
Leeds went on to ship a further four goals after that point – while also facing a whopping 26 shots – ultimately leaving Manchester not feeling particularly festive.
Leeds have improved since then however, winning nine of their 18 league games since to sit comfortably in 10th in the table.
All the focus in the build-up to the match though has been on the formation, agreement and sudden collapse of the proposed European Super League.
Botched European Super League
Of all of the English clubs who agreed to join as founders, all six (Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur) have now all left the competition. The apparent unexpected and unprecedented disapproval from the entire football world is what is believed to have led to the decision.
United’s chances of concentrating solely on preparing for the match at hand have totally gone out the window, with the events and subsequent backlash this week taking centre stage.
Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward even announced his resignation on Tuesday evening – the same night of the ESL collapse – and will leave the club at the end of 2021.
Woodward has had a turbulent time at United since joining the club. He advised the Glazers in their poisonous takeover in 2005, and took over his current role in 2012 after the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson and then CEO David Gill.
His time as CEO made him even more unpopular among Red Devils fans.
His reign ultimately has to be seen as a failure. Four different managers (three of which sacked), and all bringing different philosophies all within the space of nine years. On top of that £1billion spent on players, with only a handful which can be truly counted as successful.
It even got so bad for Woodward that in January 2020 United fans attacked his home, standing outside chanting with flares demanding for his resignation, they’ve now got it.
The – incredibly unpopular – Glazer family have now followed suit and issued an apology to fans for their involvement in the proposed ESL.
Joel Glazer’s statement
Co-owner Joel Glazer said: ‘Over the past few days, we have all witnessed the great passion which football generates, and the deep loyalty our fans have for this great club.
‘You made very clear your opposition to the European Super League, and we have listened. We got it wrong, and we want to show that we can put things right.
‘Although the wounds are raw and I understand that it will take time for the scars to heal, I am personally committed to rebuilding trust with our fans and learning from the message you delivered with such conviction.
‘This is the world’s greatest football club and we apologise unreservedly for the unrest caused during these past few days. It is important for us to put that right.’
By George Venn
