Ex-Leeds defender set to join Michael Carrick’s backroom staff at Manchester United
Leeds’ rivalry with Manchester United is regarded as one of the greatest in the history of English football.
Daniel Farke got a first competitive taste of the rivalry when Leeds drew 1-1 with Man United at the start of January, in a game where the Whites almost prevailed.
The hatred peaked in the 1960s and 1970s when both sides were dominant forces, and now that fire has been reignited with both sides competing against each other in the Premier League again.
It’s safe to say that Leeds and Man United fans do not like each other, and any player who dares to move between the two clubs would never be welcomed back.
Jonathan Woodgate set to reunite with Michael Carrick at Manchester United
In a slightly different case, former Leeds defender Jonathan Woodgate appears to be heading for a role at Manchester United under Michael Carrick.
Woodgate came through Leeds’ academy, winning the FA Youth Cup in 1997, before making his senior debut in the following year.
The centre-back then went on to become a hero at Middlesbrough, before making a sensational move to Real Madrid.
Woodgate featured in multiple showdowns for Leeds against the Red Devils, contributing to an important 1-0 win over Man United back in September of 2022.
| Games | Goals |
| 140 | 5 |
However, it seems like the 45-year-old may not be too worried about severing his ties with the Whites.
BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel has reported that, alongside Steve Holland, Jonny Evans, and Travis Binnion, Woodgate is set to be a part of Carrick’s staff at Man United.
The former Leeds man was Carrick’s assistant at Middlesbrough, as the pair were dismissed by the North East side at the end of last season.
When will Woodgate have to face Leeds United fans next?
Woodgate has been positive about Leeds in the past and would most likely have been welcomed back to LS11 as a visitor before the news broke, but things may be different now.
His decision appears to have caused uproar from Leeds fans on social media, with many questioning the ex-defender’s loyalty and integrity.
Leeds will travel to Old Trafford on Saturday, 11 April, to take on the Red Devils in the reverse Premier League fixture, where Woodgate will have to face travelling supporters.
It would be no surprise if the Leeds supporters belted out a song or two from the away stands, as Woodgate has now ruined his connections to many who are associated with the Whites.