'He grabbed me by the throat' - Jermaine Beckford reflects on famous Leeds strike in 2010 FA Cup upset vs Man United

This weekend will be the first time that the two clubs have played each other in the Premier League since 2004, but there have been two meetings in cup competitions since then.

The most memorable from a Leeds perspective was the 1-0 FA Cup upset back in 2010, with Beckford scoring the decisive goal at Old Trafford.

Looking back on that strike, the Elland Road favourite revealed that his perception of how significant the rivalry is to both sides was emphasised by one particularly forthright fan in the run-up to the game.

Speaking on Sky Sports News’ Football Show, he said: “I have many favourite goals, but that one tops it off, yes, because of what it meant to the city of Leeds – Leeds United against Manchester United, and what that rivalry is. It's humongous.

"Going into the game being the underdogs as well, I don’t think they fully respected or appreciated that quality that we had, or the determination or hard work we had. That was part of the excitement leading into the game.

"I used to stop off in Leeds city centre, just to have something to eat a day or two before the game, and I could sense energy leading up to it was slightly different. I had a fan pull me over one day, he grabbed me by the throat and said, ‘Listen, do not let these lot win under any circumstances, or don’t come back to Leeds’.

"We had to pull our fingers out and get the job done.”

Beckford is expecting a suitably fiery clash on Sunday too.

He added: “It’s very fierce. It’s tasty.

"Back in the day the two clubs were going for titles side by side. It goes even further back than that, the War of the Roses.

"It’s massive. It’s absolutely humongous, and neither set of football fans likes the other, and they always want to get one over on the other so it’s a massive, massive moment, a massive game, and a humongous opportunity.

"It’s going to be fireworks.”