Fans of Leeds United have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which relays footage of former Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, heaping praise on Marcelo Bielsa and his Leeds United side.
The footage, which was originally posted by Football Daily on Twitter, featured Ferguson unveiling who had won the LMA Manager of the Year award, in which Marcelo Bielsa finished in fourth place overall, as well as winning the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Year award.
Ferguson said: “Leeds United have been in there [the Championship] for 16 years, so Marcelo, you did a fantastic job, welcome to the Premier Division.”
After the footage was then shared by I’d Radebe Leeds on Twitter, fans of the club flocked to have their say on Ferguson’s comments, seemingly putting their rivalry with Manchester United aside and stating their belief that the Scotsman is a class act.
Given Ferguson’s achievements in the game, which have led to him being named as the world’s greatest manager of all-time, his words have certainly gained the respect of these Leeds fans, despite the rivalry existing between the Whites and the Scot’s United side.
Whatever anyone says about our Lancastrian enemies, Sir Alex is a class act…
— Georgina Jane Petty (@orangina17) July 27, 2020
Think he’s welcoming Marcelo and not LUFC but hey, better than nothing.
— TommyG (@bingaling1981) July 27, 2020
What a classy guy. He would have had a great rivalry with Bielsa if still managed. @MrTomMcDermott @LarnerC
— Philip Crampton (@philipcrampton) July 27, 2020
Class from Fergie. Anyone who doesn’t appreciate what he did at Man Utd doesn’t appreciate their football. Despite the rivalry, he welcomes Marcelo & Leeds back to the Premier Division. ????
— Andrew North (@andynorth1985) July 28, 2020
It is slightly surprising to see, firstly, Ferguson be so complimentary towards Leeds, and, secondly, Leeds fans praising Ferguson, as the rivalry between Manchester United and Leeds has previously been described as ‘English football’s most intense’.
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However, not all Leeds fans were as receptive to the comments of the former Manchester United manager.
What is happening
— Ryan Friend (@ryfriend19) July 27, 2020
He’s trying to make us forget how we feel about him!! Snake!! https://t.co/D43xZexckn
— David Calvert. (@davidCalvert14) July 28, 2020
While Ferguson will no longer be in the Manchester United dugout when Leeds face their old rivals in the top-flight for the first time in 16 years, it would not surprise us if, by the time that fixture comes around, all of the niceties between the two clubs has somewhat faded.