Leeds United danced on the edge of the abyss 23 years ago today, as Terry Venables steered them to their last home win over Manchester United, marking the high watermark of his time at the club.
Few would have believed what was about to happen at Elland Road 23 years ago, as Leeds faced their arch-rivals, Manchester United, in a game billed as a potential Premier League title decider.
Although Manchester United did go on to claim the title, Leeds were closer to the bottom of the table than the top, as the bubble that had taken them to a Champions League semi-final burst spectacularly.
Having left Leeds to join their enemies from across the Pennines during the off-season, Rio Ferdinand received a hostile welcome from the home faithful on his return to the club, just weeks into the 2002/03 season.
Leeds had the last laugh on the day, as they continued their promising start under Terry Venables, but it would not be long before the wheels well and truly came off their season.
Rio Ferdinand returns to face Leeds United
Despite the club receiving a British record transfer fee in the region of £30 million for Ferdinand, he was public enemy number one among the fans in the ground, who booed his every touch.
However, it looked like Ferdinand would leave Elland Road with a win in the first half, in which the visitors dominated.
Leeds had Paul Robinson to thank for the score being 0-0 at half time, as he denied Ruud van Nistelrooy inside the area. Jonathan Woodgate and Ian Harte also produced goal-line clearances as the Red Devils ramped up the pressure on the home side.
Woodgate could also have given a penalty away for pulling back Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the area, but Leeds got the karmic justice they deserved, after Jeff Winter failed to send off David Beckham for an elbow on Lee Bowyer.
The tide turned in the second half, as Leeds worked the ball out to Ian Harte, who whipped in a pinpoint cross which was headed home by Harry Kewell for the game’s only goal.
While Leeds fans were able to celebrate a famous win over their arch-rivals, the feelgood mood at the club did not last long, as their success under Venables proved short-lived.
Peter Reid ultimately saved Leeds from Premier League relegation
Leeds briefly moved into second place after their win over Man United, having registered four wins in six games to begin the former England manager’s reign as boss, having replaced former manager David O’Leary in the off-season.
The full extent of Leeds’ financial woes was about to become clear, despite former Chairman Peter Ridsdale claiming that Rio Ferdinand had only been signed as cover for Woodgate. His relationship with Venables would soon deteriorate irreparably, as the Leeds academy product was also sold.
Leeds’ Premier League results following Manchester United win in 2002/03:
- Played: 32
- Won: 10
- Drawn: 5
- Lost: 17
- Points: 35
With Leeds facing financial oblivion, performances on the field suffered. Eight defeats from 11 games after the win over Manchester United saw Leeds tumble down the table.
Despite a run of four wins in five games over the Christmas period, Venables eventually left the club at the end of March, as they sat in 16th place, having lost seven from nine after the departure of Lee Bowyer for a paltry £300,000.
The arrival of Peter Reid eventually saved Leeds, as he led the club to four wins and a draw from his six games in charge. But the damage was already done, as the Whites suffered relegation the following season.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
