Victory over Manchester United could transform Leeds’ season – Dominic Matteo

Former Leeds defender Dominic Matteo believes victory over Manchester United in Sunday’s War of the Roses could transform their season.

Leeds’ second campaign back in the Premier League has fallen flat and Matteo knows what it would mean to their fans if they beat their arch-rivals.

Matteo, who played in Leeds’ last league win against United nearly 20 years ago, told the PA news agency: “It’s funny, my memory’s been a bit sketchy over the years, but I don’t forget that one.

“You didn’t get many results against Man U in that era under Fergie (Sir Alex Ferguson). They were just so strong, so physical and so hard to play against because they had so many great players.

“To get a result in a game like that meant everything. For these players now, if they win on Sunday, the confidence they’ll get off the back of that will be amazing.

“The fans are desperate for a lift, we all know that. Everyone knows and understands the injuries they’ve had – but you can’t keep making excuses.

“This game is massive. It’s another chance for Leeds to get a result against their biggest rivals. I think it’s possible and it could kick-start their season.”

Harry Kewell’s header secured Leeds a 1-0 win at Elland Road in September 2002 and the Yorkshire club have won just one of their nine meetings since – a stunning FA Cup victory by the same score at Old Trafford in 2010.

“I know lads who’ve been taking their kids to Elland Road since they were three and four years old and they’ve never seen Leeds beat them,” Matteo said.

“This game is a big one for so many people, younger ones and the older generation. Both clubs. It’s the one that’s most talked about because there’s no love lost between them, let’s be honest.”

If you look at the games they've got