WE’RE ALL ON Team ethos over individuals
SKU: LET’S GIVE RED DEVILS ELL
MICHAEL SKUBALA has warned hated rivals Manchester United they will be entering a lions’ den at Elland Road today.
The sworn enemies clash for the second time in five days following Wednesday’s 2-2 draw at Old Trafford.
And Leeds’ Under-21s boss Skubala – temporarily thrust into the top job after Jesse Marsch was axed – believes the white-hot atmosphere can work in his team’s favour.
Sir Alex Ferguson wrote in his 2013 autobiography of the “most incredible hatred” his Red Devils side would face during trips to West Yorkshire.
Asked whether Leeds fans will create a cauldron of noise today, Skubala said: “I agree. Elland Road is a special place and we’re going to need the fans behind us to have another big performance.
“There’s no doubt Manchester United are a strong team but so are we. If we can get the performance right, then hopefully the result will look after itself – but we’re going to need the fans behind us.”
Skubala (above), 40, has worked as a PE teacher, an academy coach and a university coach, and held roles with the FA, where he brushed shoulders with England boss Gareth Southgate.
He added:
“It’s in moments like these that you try to apply those principles.
“Meeting different people and learning different things in the coaching profession is all part of the journey.
“And I’m enjoying it, let me say that. I love coaching and developing players at all levels and I enjoy making the best better.
“That’s why this is a really exciting opportunity.”
HARRY MAGUIRE has a future at Old Trafford, insists Manchester United boss
Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman has been delighted with the defender’s attitude and application, despite falling behind Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof. Maguire (left) signed for £85million from Leicester in August 2019 but has made just eight starts for Ten Hag’s side this season. He kept his place in England’s World Cup squad despite his problems at club level and was outstanding for the Three Lions in Qatar.
Ten Hag is refusing to write him off for United, and said: “I’m really happy with Harry Maguire. “I think he’s progressing really well and in the games he is playing, he is doing really well. But we have big competition. “Harry is a big competitor with Raphael Varane, who is also a brilliant
player.”