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Alan Smith has told Manchester United’s official website that he believes the supporters of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side and the Leeds United fans share a lot of similarities, even if both fanbases would rather not admit it.
Leeds – the club where Smith came through the ranks before clocking up 228 outings at senior level – have surprised many following their return to the Premier League for the first time since relegation in the 2003-04 season.
That was the year in which Smith made the shock move to leave Leeds, where he was a boyhood icon, to bitter rivals United. He went on to play 93 times for United, either side of a horrific double leg break against Liverpool.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash between the two sides at Elland Road on Sunday, with United winning the first 6-2 at Old Trafford – Smith believes there are comparisons that can be drawn from the two sets of supporters.
You know the passion that both clubs have got and that’s why I loved playing for both clubs,
Smith said. Just because they are very, very similar. Leeds fans don’t like me saying it.
But the characteristics of both clubs are very, very similar in terms of the beliefs, the history of the clubs, the people who are involved in it, the styles. The passion of the fans is very, very similar. It made my transition quite easy.
TBR’s view – These are the matches where fans are needed
Imagine a packed Elland Road, welcoming Manchester United and their supporters – on the back of a 6-2 defeat at Old Trafford, and that United were one of six Premier League clubs to be involved in the Super League.
The atmosphere, the rivalry, the noise – it would have been unique. What is heartbreaking for Leeds fans is that their stunning, stellar first season back in the Premier League has been watched at home – and not in the ground.
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