Pascal Struijk reveals Wayne Rooney's take on Leeds United's promotion as champions and guard of honour

Struijk came into the Whites starting line-up for a full league debut in United's penultimate game of the season at Derby with Marcelo Bielsa's side already crowned Championship champions.

With Ben White staying at centre-back even in the absence of the injured Kalvin Phillips, that meant a baptism of fire for 20-year-old Struijk who faced a battle in centre midfield against former Manchester United and England captain Rooney.

Derby captain Rooney had earlier led from the front as the Rams formed a guard of honour to welcome the newly-crowned Championship winners on to the Pride Park pitch.

And despite head coach Bielsa making seven changes to his side, United recorded a 3-1 victory with Struijk excelling in the holding midfield role and with his side praised by Rooney.

Speaking to ad.nl, Struijk was asked about his best moment of the title-winning season and said: "That is a difficult question, but then I choose my full debut against Derby County.

"I was allowed to play as a controlling midfielder again, so I faced Wayne Rooney.

"It was very nice to suddenly play against such greatness.

"I had a chat with him during the match, after all, we were already champions.

"Before the game we got a guard of honor and during the game Rooney said that we really deserved it."

A message from the Editor:

Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890.

We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds.

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/why-yorkshire-evening-post-needs-your-support-laura-collins-yep-editor-2913382

Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app.

With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Click here to subscribe.

For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you Laura Collins