Leeds United v Man United rivalry ignited by train driver’s hilarious announcement
The city of Leeds certainly got into the ‘War of the Roses’ spirit as Manchester United came to Elland Road to face Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United.
The atmosphere inside the ground was electric and supporters from both sides made sure they were heard as Red Devils fans entered Elland Road for the first time since their Premier League return.
It all started, however, on the train up from Manchester to Leeds as BBC News journalist Tom Mullen explained via his personal Twitter account.
According to Mullen, a TransPennine Express train driver was keen to make sure fans of the away side knew what Leeds as a city thought of Manchester.
“Welcome to Leeds … actually you’re *not* welcome at all but here we are.” is the announcement the driver made which will have delighted Whites fans ahead of the big game.
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Rivalries seem to have gone away in football these days with the players all mates with each other off the pitch.
It may have seen the England national team reach the final of the Euros and a World Cup semi-final but there still needs to be a bit of bite to a derby match.
This is exactly the kind of thing that we need to see between teams who really don’t like each other and players have to embrace it too.
As long as it doesn’t go too far (i.e. violence and offensive messages/chanting) then bringing that old grudge match feel to a big game isn’t a bad thing.
It’s all about making things uncomfortable for the away side with a freezing cold changing room and no hot water, making them walk to the ground past raucous home fans.
Let them know they are in for a fight more than a game and the magic of derby day will come flowing back.
In other Leeds United news, this Whites star is now worth three times what the club paid for him as contract talks continue.