Leeds United and Manchester United share one of the most hated rivalries in English football, and it has often gone overboard.
The two sets of fans dislike each other, and games between the teams are often passionate and physical, and can produce unexpected results.
Leeds’ win over Manchester United at Old Trafford last season was a momentous occasion for the Whites, as it was their first league win on enemy territory in over four decades.
Karl Darlow’s decision to reject an offer to stay at Leeds in favour of joining Manchester United on a free transfer in the summer permanently made him persona non grata at Elland Road.
So it is no surprise that a former White has revealed he rejected an opportunity to join Manchester United because he was still too much of a Leeds fan.
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Ex-Leeds United reveals he had an offer from Manchester United
James Milner’s podcast appearance with former Manchester United star Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt has revealed a few things about the former White’s career.
He explained why he left his boyhood club and then grew distant from Leeds, even though he remains a fan from the outside.
However, the podcast appearance also revealed another tidbit. Milner has claimed Manchester United offered him a contract when he left Manchester City on a free transfer in 2015.
But he conceded that he just could not bear the possibility of playing for Manchester United while being an out-and-out Leeds fan.
Asked if Manchester United ever tried to sign him, Milner said on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast: “They did, to be fair, when I was leaving Manchester City.
“I wouldn’t have entertained it. I just couldn’t.
“Respect the club, obviously, but I am just a Leeds fan through and through.
“Dislike them so much.”
Milner made the right decision
Watching Milner play for Manchester United would have been odd for even Old Trafford fans, as here was a boyhood Leeds fan who played for Manchester City.
Ultimately, the former Leeds academy graduate made the right decision to join Liverpool, where he became a stalwart under Jurgen Klopp.
Milner won the Champions League and the Premier League at Liverpool, and was a hugely respected player at Anfield by the time he left.
He may not be close to the club anymore, but Leeds fans should be delighted to hear that he loved them enough to reject a move to Old Trafford.
