Rangnick: I didn't know Man Utd & Leeds had a rivalry until a week ago

Ralf Rangnick has conceded that he "didn’t know until a week ago" that Manchester United and Leeds have "one of the biggest rivalries in the Premier League".

United will travel to Elland Road for a Pennines derby clash on Sunday that could have a huge bearing on this season's top-four race.

The Red Devils have enjoyed many memorable battles with Leeds down the years, and the off-field friction between the club's fanbases always brings extra spice to the fixture, but Rangnick has only just been made aware of its significance.

Asked if he is ready for his first United vs Leeds touchline experience, the interim boss told the official club website: “Well I’m prepared yes, but it’s not so important if I’m prepared, it is more important that the players are.

"I’m sure they are. We have a high level of experience in the team, and it won’t be the first time that they have a sold-out stadium against a team where the supporters don’t like us that much.

"I didn’t know until a week ago that this is one of the biggest rivalries in the Premier League, I thought it would rather be Liverpool or Manchester City, but that doesn’t matter.

"For us, it is an important game for both teams, Leeds need points in the relegation battle, and we need points in the race for the fourth place."

United head into the clash with Leeds full of fresh confidence after a 2-0 home win over Brighton, which saw them move back into the final Champions League spot.

Rangnick's men play Atletico Madrid in the round of 16 of that competition on Wednesday, three days before Watford are due to arrive at Old Trafford, and the German boss has confirmed that he could tinker with his team to cope with the quick turnaround between matches.

“Possibly, yes," he said when