Joe Hart loves what Peter Schmeichel said about Leeds United off air ahead of Man United clash

Leeds United sense opportunity when they host Manchester United at Elland Road.

The Red Devils will cross the Pennines for an eagerly awaited contest between two clubs that frankly despise one another on Sunday.

Leeds may have lost in the Premier League for the first time this season at Arsenal last time out.

But in general, it's been an excellent start to the campaign from Daniel Farke's side, who beat Man United in their last contest at Old Trafford last season.

There feels a real sense of opportunity for Leeds to pick up another victory against their fierce rivals.

Joe Hart and Peter Schmeichel previewed the contest for the Overlap Daily, and something the latter said encapsulated the mood of the game perfectly in the opinion of the former England goalkeeper.

Peter Schmeichel recognises size of Leeds v Man United fixture

Man United head into the game in a state of disarray, and with manager Michael Carrick under severe pressure.

The Red Devils have won just one of their six Premier League games so far this season, and are languishing in the bottom half.

They were also comfortably beaten 2-0 by Atletico Madrid in the Champions in midweek.

Following that game, Lisandro Martinez gave a fiery interview in which he openly criticised director of football Jason Wilcox, a former Leeds player.

So, Leeds really sense opportunity, and Schmeichel - whose son Kasper used to play for Leeds - clearly acknowledges how big this fixture is given he what he told Hart off air.

Speaking on the Overlap Daily, Hart said: "I love what you said off air when we were in there.

"People don't understand how big a game this is and how deep this game runs.

"You went to watch Kasper once and said Kasper 'I love you but I can't go and watch you at that specific stadium'."

Leeds vs Man Utd a classic of English football

Those outside of the rivalry might not recognise just how deep the hatred runs between these cross-Pennines rivals.

But make no mistake about it, there is no fixture that means as much as this one in the hearts and minds of Leeds supporters.

And right now, it feels like Leeds could be in the ascendancy over the Red Devils, who are going through another period of chaos.

Consequently, Leeds have the chance to really apply the pressure on Carrick, while simultaneously entrenching their own hopes of challenging at the higher end of the table.

Let's hope they can make the most of the opportunity in front of them on Sunday.