Former Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has insisted clubs were fortunate to avoid playing at a packed Elland Road last season whilst supporters were not allowed in stadiums.
Leeds United welcomed 8,000 supporters through the turnstiles for the final game of the 2020/21 Premier League season but played in an empty stadium for the other 18 home league fixtures.
Wilder had left Sheffield United by the time the Blades visited Elland Road last season, but believes teams dodged a bullet in avoiding playing in front of a healthy Leeds home crowd.
He told Sky Sports: "I think a few teams got away with it last year, not playing at a packed Elland Road, because I know we've had a couple of positive results there and I know how difficult it is to get a result and how passionate they are and the backing that they gave their players."
Wilder directed jibes at Leeds after he led Sheffield United back to the Premier League in 2019, referencing 'muppets from Leeds' and singling out Adam Forshaw and Patrick Bamford over comments made about the promotion race.
However, the 53-year-old has insisted he has respect for Whites boss Marcelo Bielsa and what he has achieved since taking the reins at Elland Road.
"Leeds United, even though I haven't got the best of relationships with because I left a bit on a couple of their players, I've still got an awful amount of respect for Marcelo and what he's achieved.
"I'm sure that place will be definitely rocking this season."
Wilder has been out of work since leaving Bramall Lane, with links to several clubs not resulting in an appointment.
Leeds will have their first opportunity to play in front of an unrestricted Elland Road crowd on 21 August, when they host Everton in their first home game of the season.
However, they will first travel to Old Trafford to take on bitter rivals Manchester United on Saturday.
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