MANCHESTER UNITED face Leeds United in the Premier League today for the first time in 16 years.
Matches between the old rivals have been few and far between since Leeds’ relegation in the 2003-04 season.
How Man United lined up last time they faced Leeds in the Premier League
There was the famous FA Cup third round tie at Old Trafford in 2010, where then-League One Leeds snatched victory thanks to a Jermaine Beckford goal.
And a September 2011 League Cup meeting between the two teams saw Man United cruise to a 3-0 win at Elland Road.
Flashback to February 2004 and despite differing fortunes that season, the spoils were shared in what was to be their last top-flight encounter for some time.
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Paul Scholes’ 64th-minute opener was almost immediately cancelled out by Alan Smith’s header as the rivals played out a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
Current Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was a second-half substitute for Sir Alex Ferguson that day, while a certain Cristiano Ronaldo, in his first season in Manchester, was left on the bench.
More than 16 years on, we take a look at who else lined up for Manchester United in that 2004 clash.
Tim Howard
Howard replaced Fabien Barthez as United No1 in the summer of 2003.
However, the American was unable to establish himself in Manchester and joined Everton on loan in 2006 before joining the Toffees permanently.
After a decade at Goodison Park, Howard signed for MLS side Colorado Rapids and now plays in the USL for Memphis 901, where he also serves as sporting director and a minority owner.
Gary Neville
One of several Class of 92 stars to feature for United that day.
It was his shot – parried by a young Scott Carson in the Leeds goal – which Scholes converted for United’s goal.
Retired in 2011 and now analyses the Red Devils as a pundit for Sky Sports.
John O’Shea
Utility man who played over a decade in United colours before leaving for Sunderland in 2011.
Enjoyed a single season at Reading at the end of his playing career and is now a member of the Royals’ backroom staff.
Mikael Silvestre
The Frenchman was one of several defenders to partner Rio Ferdinand during the course of his United career.
But an eight-month ban for missing a drugs test saw Ferdinand miss this reunion with his former club.
Silvestre left United for Arsenal in 2008, spending two years with the Gunners before spells at Werder Bremen, Portland Timbers and Indian Super League side Chennaiyin.
Quinton Fortune
Versatile player capable of playing in midfield or at left-back.
Fortune spent seven years at Old Trafford after signing from Atletico Madrid then departed for Bolton Wanderers in 2006.
The South African recently left his position as assistant manager with Man United’s under-23s to take up a role as first-team coach at Reading.
Here’s how Manchester United could start against rivals Leeds
Kleberson
United beat Leeds to the signing of the Brazilian Wolrd Cup winner in the summer of 2003, but he failed to make much of an impression.
Kleberson lasted just two seasons in England and spent time in Turkey and Brazil before settling in the United States, where he is now a coach at the Philadelphia Union Academy.
Nicky Butt
Another of United’s Class of 92 who lined up in midfield for the Red Devils.
Left United at the end of the 2003-04 season to join Newcastle but is back at his first club as head of first-team development.
Like other members of the Class of 92, Butt is a co-owner of League Two club Salford City.
Phil Neville
A mainstay in Ferguson’s United squad but never quite enjoyed the same success as brother Gary.
Joined Everton in 2005 and went on to captain the Toffees during an eight-year stint on Merseyside.
Current head coach of the England women’s team – but will step down at the end of his contract in July – and could lead Team GB at the Olympics next summer.
Paul Scholes
United’s creator-in-chief turned goalscorer against Leeds in 2004.
Club legend who retired in 2011, only to reverse his decision six months later.
Finally called time on his career in 2013 and has had coaching spells at Salford City and Oldham Athletic alongside punditry work.
Ryan Giggs
Considered among the club’s greatest-ever players.
Briefly managed United in a player-coach capacity in 2014 before retiring to become Louis van Gaal’s assistant at Old Trafford.
Became Wales national team boss in 2018 and led his country to Euro 2020 qualification.
Ruud van Nistelrooy
Scored 30 goals in all competitions in 2003-04, but couldn’t find a way past Leeds keeper Carson.
Signed for Real Madrid in 2006 after a five-year stay at United and finished his career with spells with Hamburg and Malaga.
Currently an assistant manager for the Dutch national team.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can’t wait for Man Utd’s game with rivals Leeds at Old Trafford
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
