If proof were really needed of the deep and enduring antipathy between the two sides who collide at Elland Road this weekend, then try asking Manchester United’s Paddy Crerand about playing Leeds United.
A preamble to this question includes mention that Johnny Giles, a mainstay of the Leeds teams Crerand went up against, has also been consulted on the subject. ‘Have you asked him about their tackling?’ Crerand says. ‘Have you asked him what Don Revie said before that match? They were nasty. A very nasty team.’
‘That match’ was an FA Cup semi-final between the teams, on a foul day at Hillsborough 57 years ago, and it is the one to which the acrimony which we will see on Sunday - at the teams’ first Elland Road Premier League clash before fans for 13 years - can be dated.