Sir Alex Ferguson admits he misses Manchester United's annual
showdowns with Leeds as the Roses rivals get set to lock horns in
the FA Cup.
The clubs meet in the FA Cup on Sunday, their first meeting
in nearly six years since Leeds tumbled into the Championship. With
9,000 fans travelling across the Pennines, the West Yorkshire
outfit are guaranteed a noisy following that will further fuel an
atmosphere Ferguson expects to be tinged with hostility.
It was always the same at Elland Road, a ground Ferguson once
described as the most intimidating venue in Europe. But those are
the atmospheres the Scot loves the most.
"I used to enjoy the rivalry," he said. "It makes you
perform. There have been some fantastically feisty occasions over
the years and there was always a tinge of hostility.
"We always told the players to make sure they behaved
properly on the pitch because we didn't need to add to the problems
off it.
"Leeds are bringing 9,000 fans, so it will be a busy day for
the police. But it will be an absolutely brilliant atmosphere and
should be a good cup tie as well."
Ferguson has been impressed enough by the way Simon Grayson
has changed Leeds' fortunes to feel it worth fielding a starting
line-up similar to the one which demolished Wigan on Wednesday,
even though United are facing an even more demanding Carling Cup
semi-final at Manchester City next week.
Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes are amongst those
expected to be involved, while Wayne Rooney will hope to continue
his recent scoring streak, having taken his tally for the season to
15.
"We don't need to spell out what Sunday's game means to the
Manchester United fans," admitted Ferguson.
"Leeds are a decent side who will not be too far away from
the Premier League in the next couple of years.
"When you look at the position they are in at the moment in
League One, they look certain to be in the Championship next year.
"And with the motivation and drive that is coming from the
manager, they have a great chance of going further.
"Simon Grayson is a local boy himself, as well being a former
player.
"Some people have targets in life. He has reached his and his
team are not letting him down."
