football | Monday, February 6, 2023 10:03 AM (Revised at: Monday, February 6, 2023 10:50 AM)

Silvestre: Current Squad Don’t Understand Leeds vs Man United Rivalry, Bowyer Would Stamp During Every Tackle

Devang Prasad

The Red Devils will be hosting their historic rivals, Leeds United on Wednesday and we got to discuss the matchup with a man who featured in quite a few Roses rivalry games, Mikael Silvestre.

The former French international and five-time Premier League winner talked about the significance of the rivalry today, his expectations from the game and he also shared his own memories of playing in the famous rivalry.

While Silvestre played at a time when the Roses rivalry was an intense one both on and off the pitch, he feels that things are not the same. Leeds being away from the top flight for such a long time has dulled the lustre of the rivalry and while fans might have a go at each other in the stands, the players are too young to remember the intensity of the rivalry.

In this article:

The Roses rivalry has lost its spice
Leeds pose a collective problem but Man Utd should win
The one player he found annoying when facing Leeds in his career

The Roses rivalry has lost its spice

“It looks like those days are gone now.”

“Maybe the fans will have a go at each other in the stands but I’m not sure the players know about the history. Maybe they’re a bit young.”

“Time has passed. Leeds had been in the Championship for quite some time.”

Silvestre mentions that while the teams are geographically close, the Man Utd-Leeds rivalry is not on the level of Man City or Liverpool. According to him, it lacks spice.

“It’s not a Liverpool or City level rivalry.”

“Geographically they are not far from each other but I don’t think it has the same spice it used to.”

Leeds pose a collective problem but Man Utd should win

While talking about the game on Wednesday, Silvestre thinks that United, given their momentum and quality, should win it. He admits that Leeds, as a collective, will pose problems for the Red Devils and it is hard to pinpoint individuals who can change the game.

“I wouldn’t point out one element or player from Leeds. I think it’s more of a collective dilemma for Man United here.”

“Given United’s dynamic right now and their position in the league, if they keep their momentum they should beat Leeds.”

“Goals and chance creation have been coming from a lot of different players for Leeds. It’s more of a collective threat.”

The one player he found annoying when facing Leeds in his career

The 2007-08 Champions League winner then reflected on his own experiences with the Roses rivalry, remarking that there was one man who he found annoying while playing against Leeds, Lee Bowyer.

“Me personally? Just one.”

“Lee Bowyer was always trying to stamp on you in a tackle.”

“I would get up and when I would reach out to shake his hand he would brush it off.”

“Very annoying at the time.”