'It's been too long' - Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on renewing rivalries with Leeds United

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits it has been 'too long' since his side renewed hostilities with Leeds United in the Premier League.

The two arch rivals are relishing a first meeting between the teams since early 2004 in the top flight as the Whites travel to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon (16:30).

There have been just two cup matches in nearly 17 years since Leeds' Premier League relegation amid financial turmoil, with the West Yorkshire club claiming a famous 1-0 victory over the Pennines as a League One outfit in January 2010.

Head coach Marcelo Bielsa ended the Elland Road Football League nightmare in the summer, guiding Leeds to the Championship title at the second time of asking which has now set up a trip to face the Red Devils on a level playing field.

Solskjaer - who featured numerous times against the Whites during his playing days at Old Trafford - says he can't wait to finally face an old foe once again this weekend.

"I can't wait," he told his pre-match press conference.

"It's been too long, of course. I know how much it means for our supporters, I know how much it means for our club.

"It's a different type of Leeds coming up with a coach that's really done a great job with them and will test us to the limit.

"There were fiery games, tackles flying in, players from both teams who were winners.

"We had a few fights, of course. Elland Road wasn't the quietest place when we came off the coach walking into the stadium and in the stadium, put it that way."

Asked if he had a particularly fond memory of facing Leeds as a player, he said: "Yeah, many. I enjoyed scoring two goals in a win at Elland Road.

"I enjoyed a header back stick. I came on as a sub, it was a cross from Giggsy (Ryan Giggs), and headed back to the other side (to secure a 1-1 draw in 2001).

"They were two good teams back in the day, I have to say.

"I liked the build-up to the games and the quality they had of course tested us as a team as well, so loads of good memories."