Leeds United's 2025/26 games against Manchester United gave Ethan Ampadu one of the best experiences of last season and one of the most disappointing.
The skipper was part of the side that handed the visiting fans their first taste of league victory at Old Trafford since 1981. Noah Okafor's brace secured three points on a famous March night across the Pennines and inspired a song about the Swiss winger. But Ampadu had to watch the home game, a 1-1 Elland Road draw, from the stands. His yellow card in the previous outing against Liverpool was his fifth of the campaign and led to a one-match suspension.
Regardless of his lack of involvement in the home fixture, Ampadu knows exactly what this game means and the kind of atmosphere it can generate.
"I didn't play in the game at Elland Road, which was a really disappointing part of last season for me," he said. "Seeing the buzz among the fans leading up to it is definitely a great experience. Of course we're made aware of [the importance of the game], the players who were here last season got to experience winning at Old Trafford, which was one of the best nights of the season for us to enjoy with the fans - especially straight after the game.
"Hearing how much the fans still talk about that night now, we definitely know what it means to them and we want to give everything we can to make sure they enjoy the game."
This season Leeds have been deemed favourites by a number of pundits but no matter the determination of the bookies or the media, Ampadu and the Whites carry an expectation onto the pitch that stems from the stands. Daniel Farke's captain understands it and believes it can provide he and his team-mates with a boost.
"Fans make you aware of it, it gives you that little bit of an extra edge," he said.
"The history between the clubs and the two sets of supporters, that's why the rivalry is what it is. We can understand the added pressure this game brings, it's something we relish and enjoy but we want to make sure we go out and get three points like we try to do at any other game at Elland Road."
