Former Manchester United player turned assistant coach Mike Phelan has opened up on the rivalry between the Red Devils and Leeds United ahead of the clash between the two sides tomorrow.
Leeds face United in Australia tomorrow (Wednesday) in a pre-season friendly in Perth as the two old rivals go head to head (12pm BST) for the first time since 2011.
Phelan was asked about his experiences against Leeds from his playing days with United to when he worked under Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford and fans of the Whites will love what he had to say.
"It has always been a difficult environment, both at home and away. When you went to Elland Road it was vociferous to say the least," Phelan told the club's website.
"That was just getting off the coach and going into the ground. On the field it was blood and thunder at times. They have a very passionate support.
"They had a great team at the time and are trying to recreate those memories now by getting back into the Premier League."
Meanwhile, Phelan also praised one of his counterparts ahead of tomorrow in Marcelo Bielsa, the Argentinian boss who has rejuvenated Leeds but will only arrive in Australia on the eve of the encounter.
"He's an excellent coach and a very deep thinker. He's passionate about football and how he wants his teams to play," Phelan continued. "He works his teams hard and he has certain principles he wants his players to work towards."
Phelan added that the Red Devils are planning to use a large portion of their pre-season squad for the match in Perth.
"We brought 24 players out on tour. We have to use the players well and they all have to get their minutes. There will be a bit of mixing and matching against Leeds," Phelan added.
