David Woods

Tue 14 April 2020 7:30, UK

Gary Neville has said that the Leeds United fans were “horrible” and “as bad as it gets” when he used to play at Elland Road with Man United.

However, he also said that rivalries like these are what makes football and said he wanted to see Leeds back in the top flight.

He also said that he would have loved to play under current Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa.

Talking on The Football Show (Sky Sports, Monday, 10.30am) Neville said, “There was a period when we didn’t have anyone from Yorkshire representing in the Premier League and I think it’s a huge loss.

“Leeds United are a massive football club. Fans were horrible to be honest when we used to go there. With United they were as bad as it gets but the rivalry was a huge one.

“I want to see them back in the Premier League because I do believe football is about rivalries, about competition between fans.

“I would like to have played under Bielsa, he has been fantastic for the game and he would be a brilliant addition to the Premier League, not just Leeds United.”

Neville has talked about the Leeds fans before and we can wear what he says with a badge of pride.

We might not have liked him as Leeds fans when he was a player but he’s grown into the best pundit in the UK and he’s not afraid to speak his mind.

United fans – although they’d never admit it – would also love to see Leeds back in the Premier League.

Trips to Old Trafford and for them to Elland Road were one of the highlights of the calendar and Neville is so right when he says that rivalries like this make the game.

It also makes it all the more sad for Leeds fans that they’re unlikely to be able to witness the club win promotion in person.

It looks like the remaining games will play out behind closed doors. That’s sad but the prize of Elland Road roaring in the Premier League next season is compensation enough.

In other Leeds United news, ‘Incredible’ – Insider claims Bielsa was offered job by billionaire owned-club in summer