Messiah Eric Cantona & Paul Pogba magic: Four most iconic Man United vs Leeds battles

Manchester United will return to Premier League action on April 13 when they host Leeds United.

Few fixtures in the English top flight carry such raw hostility as this iconic rivalry.

Despite the gulf between the two sides having increased over the last few years, the passionate fanbases of the clubs will be eager to finish on the winning side.

Ahead of their latest showdown, we revisit four of their most unforgettable Premier League battles.

Man United 6-2 Leeds, December 2020

The fans of both sides were buzzing with excitement as the rivals met for the first time in 16 years in the English top flight.

The hosts got off to a dream start, with their very own Scott McTominay scoring twice inside the first three minutes.

Leeds refused to sit back under manager Marcelo Bielsa but Bruno Fernandes and Victor Lindelof only deepened their misery. Liam Cooper made it 4-1 to conclude a thrilling first half.

Stuart Dallas netted a stunning consolation goal, but not before second-half strikes from Daniel James and Fernandes.

It proved to be a brutal reintroduction to Premier League football for Leeds at the hands of their fiercest rivals.

Leeds 0-4 Man United, September 1996

It was a clash of distaste and envy between two fanbases, with Eric Cantona at the heart of the rivalry after his controversial switch from Leeds to United.

The humiliation of Leeds at home started with an early own goal before Nicky Butt doubled the lead after the interval.

Cantona picked up an assist before capping his performance with a 90th-minute goal.

His iconic “Messiah” celebration in front of the enraged Elland Road crowd only added to the drama.

Man United 5-1 Leeds, August 2021

Leeds arrived at Old Trafford fearing a repeat of their previous humiliation and their fears were quickly realised.

History repeated itself in stunning fashion. It was a blockbuster opening-day fixture of the new Premier League season.

Fernandes scored the only goal of the first half but Luke Ayling brought the visitors level.

What followed was sheer chaos, as United exploded into life with four goals in just 20 minutes.

Fernandes completed a brilliant hat-trick, but Paul Pogba stole the spotlight with an astonishing four assists.

It was a glimpse of United at their attacking best under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, raising hopes of a genuine title challenge.

Leeds 0-1 Man United, April 1996

The Whites were reduced to 10 men after a straight red card for goalkeeper Mark Beeney.

Leeds defender Lucas Radebe stepped up by donning the goalkeeper jersey and pulled off a series of remarkable saves to keep Leeds in the contest.

However, his resistance was finally broken when Roy Keane unleashed a powerful strike in the 72nd minute.

The victory carried immense significance, coming during a tense and gripping title race.

Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle were 12 points ahead of United at Christmas but Sir Alex Ferguson orchestrated a remarkable comeback.

That win over Leeds proved pivotal as United surged ahead to claim yet another Premier League title.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .