English Football’s oldest rivalry, the ‘Roses Rivalry’ is finally back after almost 9 years. Manchester United will face Leeds United in Premier League tonight. The last time they meet was in 2011.
The rivalry between Manchester United and Leeds United is known as Roses Derby or Pennines Derby. The rivalry originated from the historic rivalry between two cities Yorkshire and Lancashire.
Two teams have faced each other 107 times earlier. Manchester United has won 46 and Leeds has won 26 times. This will be their first meeting after the return of Leeds United in Premier League after 16 years.
Before the match, Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa described the importance of this rivalry. Bielsa said, “Leeds doesn’t ignore what it means to play in such a game. We’re prepared to adapt for the characteristics that this game will demand. Football is identification. You can identify yourself when you face this type of opponent. The bond of communication grows stronger in these games. The fan will say ‘I’m from this side and the side I’m from is represented by this badge and this history.’ It is very important to have a big opponent.”
These derbies are important to both sets of fans. These matches are all about honor for them. Bielsa also admired the emotions of fans around this rivalry. The Leeds manager said, “There’s one thing that clearly shows the effect that this type of game has on the fans. This kind of result increases the art of the people of a city or a place, but not from a commercial point of view. From the imagination that comes from the body and is expressed in the culture. There are works and sculptures, jewelry, paintings, and writings that are produced by normal people where the feeling that is created is something unimaginable. The same as when Phillips had a mural done of him. But done in a smaller way, with different manifestations by normal people who don’t want the recognition, they don’t want any payment or anything in return. They show the pride that it is to be part of a tribe.”
Manchester United are now 7th in the table with 23 points. Leeds are now 6 points behind their rivals sitting on 13th.
