Ferguson: Liverpool rivalry fierce, Leeds frightening

ALEX FERGUSON has admitted it was a “frightening” experience to be around the Manchester United team hotel in Leeds on Tuesday afternoon and likened it to a scene from the film Zulu.

Twenty-one supporters were arrested around the Elland Road encounter, with fans of both sides aiming insults at each other during United’s 3-0 Carling Cup triumph.

Visiting fans held up a banner depicting ‘Istanbul’ — a reference to the two Leeds fans who were killed in Turkey 11 years ago, with their home counterparts responding with taunts about the Munich air crash.

However, Ferguson revealed the problems had begun much earlier, as his team prepared for the game in their city centre hotel.

“We had a lot of problems outside our hotel,” he said.

“There were hundreds of them. It was like that film Zulu.

“We have never had it there before but we have never stayed in the town centre in Leeds before either. Next time we will try Glasgow and get a helicopter down.”

Ferguson has always viewed Liverpool as the real derby for his team. However, the animosity around Leeds clashes is far worse, with Tuesday’s events showing the infrequency of recent meetings has done nothing to dilute the mutual loathing.

“Historically, it has been there for a long time,” he said.

“I have always said Liverpool-Manchester United games are fierce in many aspects.

“Sometimes supporters can play a bad part in that particular game. But it never reaches the levels of Leeds United. Never. I don’t know why it is like that. I don’t understand it and I don’t know what you can do about it.”