It was a meeting between two rivals that had even more of an edge following the sale of star defender Rio Ferdinand from Leeds United to Manchester United for £30m.
The Whites hosted their old foe from across the Pennines in September, 2002 in LS11 - with a fierce atmosphere expected in West Yorkshire for the top flight showdown.
Leeds were outplayed in the first half, clearing the ball of the line twice through Ian Harte and Jonathan Woodgate with goalkeeper Paul Robinson pulling off a number of impressive saves to keep the Whites in the contest.
Ferdinand was booed every time he touched the ball and he was nowhere to be seen when Harry Kewell broke free in the box in the 68th minute to score in a better second half for Terry Venables' outfit.
Harte delivered a whipped cross from the left and the Australian jumped highest to power a header home past visiting stopper Fabian Bartez.
The solitary goal lit up a ferocious encounter in front of a packed Elland Road and Leeds held on for their first win over the Red Devils in five years.
Here, we take a look back at who played on that memorable day and see where they are now:
1. Paul Robinson
Now works as a TV pundit with the likes of Sky Sports and others. Enjoyed spells with Tottenham, Blackburn and Burnley post-Leeds before retiring in 2017.
2. Danny Mills
Mills often appears on BBC 5Live, though has also done media work for the likes of Sky Sports and TalkSPORT. Away from football, he runs a property business.
3. Jonathan Woodgate
Current head coach of Championship side AFC Bournemouth. Moved to Newcastle and then Real Madrid after Leeds. Middlesbrough, Tottenham and Stoke City came later.
4. Dom Matteo
Now an exclusive YEP columnist. He received life-saving surgery on a brain tumour at Leeds General Infirmary in 2019. Has been given the all clear - now does charity work along with some punditry.
5. Ian Harte
Harte works as a football agent for YMU agency, alongside several business ventures which include a nutrition company - Herbalife.
6. Lee Bowyer
Somewhat of a cult hero at Leeds. Retired in 2012. Returned to the game a few years later as a coach then manager. Now in charge at Birmingham City.