Jack Harrison's decision to leave Manchester United vindicated as Leeds United make Old Trafford return

It has been 10 years since Jack Harrison made the bold decision to leave Manchester United's academy.

A lot has happened in the decade that followed the move which saw him swap a youth spot with the Red Devils for a footballing education across the pond in the United States.

Harrison moved to Massachusetts for high school to continue his development both on and off the pitch, spending his formative years at Berkshire School.

A season playing college soccer with Wake Forest followed later as he impressed so much that he was taken as the number one overall pick in the MLS draft in 2016.

After New York City FC traded Chicago Fire for his services, it was Manhattan where his professional career began amongst the likes of David Villa, Andrea Pirlo and Frank Lampard.

The now 24-year-old's career path to the Premier League has not been a popular or often chosen one for young emerging talents on British shores.

Harrison, though, is into his third year at Elland Road and has become somewhat of a regular starter in the top flight under Marcelo Bielsa following the club's promotion last summer.

As the Leeds winger left Old Trafford for pastures new in 2010, Jermaine Beckford was writing his name in the history books and West Yorkshire folklore for a League One outfit fallen on hard times.

Harrison saw the bigger picture of not wanting to fall through the cracks across the Pennines like many other academy hopefuls up and down the country.

Competition is fierce to make it to the top, but his decision to go another way will be vindicated as he lines up to take on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men on Sunday afternoon on a level playing field.

A move to cross-city rivals Manchester City in 2018 came after two impressive seasons spent at the top of the game in America - Elland Road, though, has become his home during a prolonged period on loan at the club.

"I've heard a lot about the rivalry from numerous Leeds fans and how important it is to them," Harrison told BBC Radio Leeds.

"It's important for me as well. Growing up in England it's [Manchester United] where I started playing football from the age of six years old.

"I feel like the foundations I have as a player I got from Man United, so I am grateful for the opportunity there from such a young age up until 14.

"It's a long time to be part of the academy. The things I learnt there have been key to my success and who I am as a player."

Harrison has previous experience in facing Manchester United in a Leeds shirt - but not in the top flight with bragging rights on the line.

The two teams came to blows a division apart during pre-season Down Under over a year ago. This weekend's clash, though, will be a step up.

"Even last year in Australia there were a lot of Leeds fans and you could see how much it meant to them," Harrison added.

"Being part of that game added something and because of the rivalry there was added tension and added pressure to win even though it was just a pre-season game.

"I can't imagine what it will be like this weekend but I'm looking forward to it. I always like to look forward to big games like this.

"To play at Old Trafford and play against Man United, where it all started for me, will be a special moment."