Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Manchester United's fixtures against Leeds United were the most ferocious he managed during his time at the club. The two long-time rivals are set to meet again in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday at Croke Park in Dublin, a stadium with a capacity of 82,300.
Ferguson recalls frightening scenes before 2011 League Cup tie
Ferguson's comments referenced a third-round League Cup match in September 2011, when United travelled to Elland Road and won 3-0. However, it was the events before the game that left a lasting impression on the former manager.
The United squad prepared for the match in Leeds' city centre and required police protection. Ferguson described the atmosphere as frightening, with seven police vans surrounding the team's hotel.
Ferguson said: "Historically, it has been there for a long time. I have always said Liverpool-Manchester United games are fierce in many aspects. Sometimes supporters can play a bad part in that particular game. But it never reaches the levels of Leeds United. Never. It was frightening at our hotel. We had seven police vans round the hotel protecting the team. I don't know why it is like that. I don't understand it. But it is there and it is not nice."
Fans charged and tragic references during the match
Following the 2011 fixture, 14 fans were charged with numerous offences. During the game, sections of both sets of supporters exchanged insults. Home fans directed taunts about the 1958 Munich air crash, which resulted in 23 deaths, including eight United players.
Fans of the then-Premier League champions also displayed a banner with the word "Istanbul", referencing two Leeds supporters who were killed the day before their UEFA Cup semi-final against Galatasaray in 2000.
Pre-season form and upcoming fixtures
Both United and Leeds have each lost one pre-season game, with those defeats coming against Wrexham. Leeds, managed by Michael Carrick, have not lost since that match. They face AC Milan after Wednesday to conclude their pre-season schedule.
Leeds begin their Premier League season away to Hull City at the MKM Stadium on August 22. Their first home game follows eight days later, when they host newly-promoted Ipswich Town.
