Jonny Howson reflects on Leeds United's famous FA Cup victory over Manchester United 10 years ago

Leeds United travelled to Old Trafford - the home of their fiercest rivals, Manchester United - with the odds stacked against them.

Simon Grayson's League One leaders were backed by an army of supporters, as 9,000 Whites fans made the trip across the M62 more in hope than expectation.

Leeds entered the game unbeaten in 15 games, but were given still given little chance of pulling off the unimaginable against the then 11-time winners.

Sir Alex Ferguson had never seen his Manchester United side exit the FA Cup at the third round stage, nor had his Red Devils outfit ever been knocked out of the Cup by a lower division team.

United began the afternoon as underdogs, but by the time referee Chris Foy was blowing the full-time whistle, those who were in attendance were rubbing their eyes in disbelief.

Celebrations went on long into the evening, with United fans locked inside the ground afterwards.

Whites' terrace favourite Jermaine Beckford struck in the 19th minute as he latched onto a long ball from Morley-born midfielder Jonny Howson before slotting home past onrushing goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak.

The Stretford End was left stunned, Leeds fans were sent into delirium before 71 breathless minutes followed.

Grayson's side battled and they battled hard.

Casper Ankergren made saves, Jason Crowe cleared off the line, Beckford and Howson squared up to Wes Brown as Paddy Kisnorbo bled for the cause.

Robert Snodgrass even hit the bar.

The goal has now been immortalised in the Elland Road club's history, with barely a matchday passing by without Beckford's name and exploits at Old Trafford being sung about.

For one man in particular, that day unfolded in front of his very eyes and feet, and Howson, the Thorp Arch academy product, will never forget the day his beloved Whites knocked their bitter rivals out of English football's most famous competition.

"It was a great feeling," Howson reflected.

"I remember being sat on the bus outside the stadium afterwards while we were waiting for the other lads and I must admit I just couldn't believe we'd actually done it.

"That was probably when it actually all sank in. It was another great moment and a memory that will live with me for the rest of my life.

"It's a fair few years ago now but to me it only feels like two minutes."

Howson currently plys his trade with Championship rivals Middlesbrough, but still keeps up to date with all the latest ongoings in LS11 with memories of a certain pass strong in the mind.

"Funnily enough, I still keep up to news regarding everything to do with Leeds," Howson continued.

"I remember the other month when Jermaine [Beckford] retired I was reading about it and he mentioned the goal so I got to see it a few more times.

"It's good to look back. I knew his strength and that was the first thing that I used to get taught as a youngster.

"When you win the ball back you look forward and certainly when you've got someone like Jermaine who has got tremendous pace.

"We all know he was a good finisher, he took the ball down and did the rest."

Howson also achieved promotion with the club that same season before departing for pastures new in 2012, while the Red Devils ended the season without a trophy.

But on reflection, the midfielder says the dramatic day against Bristol Rovers and hauling Leeds back into the Championship in front of a packed Elland Road, just beats that famous day 10 years ago.

"I'd say the promotion," Howson smiled.

"Just because it actually achieved something. Don't get me wrong, obviously beating Manchester United in the FA Cup was a tremendous achievement - but actually getting a promotion and in the manner that we did was incredible.

"I was sat on the bench and Max [Gradel] gets sent off. We went down to 10 men and they scored just after half-time. I must admit you're sat there on the bench and when you can't affect it, you're thinking it could be the play-offs again.

"Obviously, when you get the call, you just try to make a difference and give it a lift. Luckily, I managed to do that and Jermaine [Beckford] did what he does best by putting the ball in the back of the net and gets us the win."