Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is set to experience the fierce rivalry with Leeds United for the first time when his side travels to Elland Road on Sunday. The Portuguese will face a hostile atmosphere, reminiscent of the hatred Sir Alex Ferguson once described as exceeding even the animosity between United and Liverpool.
Amorim arrives at a time when Leeds are full of confidence, riding a six-match unbeaten run that includes a home thrashing of Chelsea and two draws with Liverpool, including a point from their midweek trip to Anfield. The match kicks off at 12:30 pm, a scheduling decision aimed at limiting alcohol consumption among supporters.
West Yorkshire Police will have extra officers on duty, with all leave cancelled. Former United chief executive Ed Woodward once considered not attending a game at Elland Road due to genuine fears for his safety. The intense security measures reflect the deep-seated enmity between the two clubs.
Ferguson recalled a 2011 Carling Cup encounter when Leeds fans gathered outside the United team hotel, forcing the team to be protected by seven police vans. He said: 'It never reaches the levels of Leeds United. Never. It was frightening at our hotel. I don't understand it. But it is there and it is not nice.'
The rivalry is historical, rooted in geography and success divided across eras: Leeds dominated the 1970s, United the 1990s and 2000s. Taunts have included references to the Munich air crash and the murders of two Leeds fans in Istanbul. With Leeds back in the Premier League, the 'War of the Roses' resumes.
