Manchester United take on Leeds United this evening at Old Trafford in the Premier League and Erik ten Hag says that his players must be “well prepared” for the challenge that awaits them tonight.
Pumped for a big night under the Old Trafford lights āš„#MUFC || #MUNLEE
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 8, 2023
Leeds, who will be managed by an interim trio of Michael Skubala, Paco Gallardo and Chris Armas after the sacking of Jesse March, come into this fixture on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Sunday and they will be hoping to put in a performance at the Theatre of Dreams, however, ten Hag says that his side are relishing the opportunity of facing their rivals in what is an important game as they look to strengthen their grip on the top four.
“No, we have to go from game to game. It is a big week for us, as twice we face a rival team and we have to be ready for that. It gives a different emotion, always when you play against rivals, so we have to be [on the] front foot and be ready for the game. We have to be well prepared but also giving off good energy and look forward to facing them” [via Man United].
The last game between United and Leeds was back in February of last year, in which United ran out 4-2 winners at Elland Road and before that fixture, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Man United side trounced Leeds 5-1 on the opening day of the 2021/22 season at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag was asked about how much he knows about the rivalry between the two sides, and it is safe to say that the United manager understands it.
“I know something about it, as I know it is about the match between the roses. The red and white. The red has to win and we know what to do. We have to give everything for the battle for our fans” [via Man United].
The game between United and Leeds kicks off at 8pm UK time, however, for those in the UK, the game will not be shown live on TV because this game was not selected for TV coverage back in September, when the match was originally due to take place but had to be postponed due to the Queen’s funeral.