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Mitten on Man United v. Leeds | 'The rivalry is pretty vicious'

United We Stand editor Andy Mitten joined Friday's OTB AM to talk Manchester United and to previe...



Soccer

Mitten on Man United v. Leeds | 'The rivalry is pretty vicious'

United We Stand editor Andy Mitten joined Friday's OTB AM to talk Manchester United and to preview their upcoming game against Leeds United.

The match kicks off at 4:30 pm on Sunday and Off The Ball will have live commentary with Nathan Murphy and Vinny Perth.

It is the first Premier League meeting of the two fierce historical rivals since 2004 and Mitten explained that the rivalry is still "pretty vicious" even considering Leeds' long hiatus from the top division.

"For Man United fans in Manchester, I would say it goes Manchester City, Leeds and then Liverpool," Mitten explained as he ranked United's top rivalries.

"If you ask a Man United fan in Dublin, they will probably be more likely to say Liverpool and I still think Liverpool are United’s biggest rivals but mates of mine would disagree.

"For a long time, Leeds were up there but then they vanished in 2003, just two years after reaching the semi-final of the Champions League. They had a really good young side but that rivalry was absolutely vicious. Going to Elland Road as an away fan was frightening, it really was."

Mitten

Notwithstanding the rivalry, Mitten is still "glad that Leeds are back".

"I would rather Leeds United in the top division because I would rather wake up with the prospect of Man United playing Leeds United than many, many other teams," he said.

Mitten also expressed his admiration for Marcelo Bielsa, remembering when his Athletic Bilbao side won 3-2 at Old Trafford in 2012.

"I like what he does. I like that he brings a club to Old Trafford and when they are 3-1 up and Ander Herrera who was playing for Athletic Bilbao goes to the side and asks to close the game out, Bielsa told him to attack more," Mitten recalled.

"I love that romance in football. He’s done a brilliant job at Leeds, he’s signed well and I hope for a good game at Old Trafford."

Mitten

As for how the game will go on Sunday, Mitten said that he had "not got a clue".

"It could be like 6-4 or it could be 0-0 because Manchester United are banned from scoring goals at Old Trafford. That draws you into watching though because it’s unpredictable," he said.

"I can remember many times being bored by Man United’s brilliance as they won yet another league title. You knew they were going to win. You certainly don’t know what’s coming with Man United so it is exciting but it’s also frustrating."

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Bruno Fernandes Leeds Liverpool Man United Manchester United Marcelo Bielsa Mitten Premier League Rivalry United We Stand