Tyler Roberts believes Leeds United players will have 'extra drive' against Manchester United

Tyler Roberts says Leeds United's support will give the players 'extra drive' against rivals Manchester United - even from afar.
Leeds United forward Tyler Roberts. Pic: GettyLeeds United forward Tyler Roberts. Pic: Getty
Leeds United forward Tyler Roberts. Pic: Getty

Elland Road will be empty this afternoon as the Whites welcome their old foe to West Yorkshire in the Premier League for the first time in nearly two decades.

Leeds made their long-awaited return to the top flight last summer after 16 years away, earning promotion under Marcelo Bielsa to set up a meeting with the Red Devils on level terms once again.

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When the first whistle is blown it will be the first competitive action kicked between the teams in LS11 since October 2003 in the league.

Supporters are hoping that Leeds can make amends for a disappointing 6-2 reverse last December at Old Trafford - but they will again be forced to watch on through television screens amid the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Roberts, though, believes the players can take motivation from fans even though they won't be in attendance.

"We're unbeaten in five and are making a good go of it. They're in form - as they have been all season," Roberts told LUTV.

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"They'll come out and try to dominate the game but as you've seen from our performances, we like to dominate games so it's going to be one or the other.

"I know that we'll give everything for the fans. This is a game they would all have been looking forward to in the Premier League - it's disappointing they won't be there but we know they'll be watching on TV.

"The support is great and we know the following is massive. Everyone will want us to get the win so it gives us that extra drive to go and get it.

"I think the massive thing for us is that we're looking ahead and up the table instead of behind. For the first year in the Premier League all the boys can be happy with that."

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Asked about the defeat to the Red Devils and the concession of six goals being a rarity this term, he said: "I think it's credit to the boys that it has been a rare event.

"Of course, we didn't want it to be against that team but it'll give us even more drive in this game to make sure we put in a good performance get a result for the fans."