If you are unaware of Leeds United History, just watch the movie 'Damned United'. The movie aptly shows the Don Revie's Leeds United a team that only cared about winning.
Ask a 50-60 year old, they might explain what Leeds United means to English football.
Once a Champions league Semi-finalists 2000-01. They finished fourth in the league 2000-01 after a loss to Arsenal on the last day. They finished fourth just a point behind third spot Liverpool and two points behind the second placed Arsenal. Leeds narrowly failed to qualify for the Champions League Despite a disappointing finish to the season Leeds had enjoyed one of the greatest seasons in their history, and the club and its fans were hopeful of a league title challenge the next year. Leeds had the record of longest unbeaten run in 2000-01 seasons league with 13 games.
The first indication that the club was in financial trouble was the sale of Rio Ferdinand to Manchester Unitedfor approximately £30 million. With money becoming a important part of the game, It could be said that Leeds United's downfall started from 2002-03 season when they finished 15th just five points above relegation. They were relegated the very next season to championship. They were further relegated to league one in 2007.
They are back to Premier League now after missing out narrowly last season.
During their time in premier league they shared a bitter rivalary with Chelsea and Manchester United.
The rivalry between Chelsea and Leeds.The rivalry first emerged in the 1960s after a series of fiercely contested and controversial matches, when the two clubs were frequently involved in the pursuit of domestic and European honours culminating in the 1970 FA cup final, which is regarded as one of the most physical matches in English football history.
The rivalry between Leeds United and Manchester United, sometimes nicknamed the Roses rivalry or the Pennines derby. We all know about the Manchester derby and the rivalry between two Manchester clubs but this was not the case few years back.The Manchester United - Leeds rivalry has also been labelled by The Daily Telegraph as "English football’s most intense – and inexplicable – rivalry".
In a survey recently Leeds United rated Manchester United as their biggest rivals followed by Chelsea, even after spending 16 years in different leagues. Manchester United and Chelsea though does not consider Leeds as their rivals now, however there would be few fierce games to watch next season considering the vocal and fierce fan base. Leeds United fans are considered as one of the best fan base in England.
The passionate fans of Leeds would just waiting for the day to get back to Elland Road and start cheering for Marcelo Bielsa's side.
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