Why are Manchester United playing Leeds twice in five days in the Premier League? Red Devils draw 2-2 with West Yorkshire rivals at Old Trafford before reverse fixture at Elland Road
Manchester United vs Leeds was once described as ‘English football’s most intense, and most inexplicable’ rivalry.
And neutrals will sit back and take in every sinew of the feud as the two clubs play each other twice in the Premier League in just a few days this week.
United were due to welcome their West Yorkshire rivals to Old Trafford on September 18.
However, the game was one of three Premier League showdowns to be postponed due to a lack of police resources ahead of Queen Elizabeth II's funeral.
The fixture was then played instead on Wednesday after both sides avoided having to schedule in FA Cup fourth round replays.
And it proved a thrilling affair as United came from two goals behind to rescue a 2-2 draw with Leeds.
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The reverse fixture between United and Leeds at Elland Road was always scheduled for Sunday, February 12, just four days later.
And now both sets of fans find themselves in a unique scenario of being involved in a Roses derby double header.
In a statement last month, the Premier League said it was 'giving supporters as much notice as possible by announcing this potential fixture date' ahead of the FA Cup fourth-round ties.
The statement continued: “The League also acknowledges the unique circumstances of the teams playing each other twice in the same week, with Leeds United v Manchester United scheduled for Sunday 12 February.
“This is to avoid potential fixture congestion later in the season.”