Ethan Ampadu sends message to Leeds United fans ahead of Man Utd clash: "We want to make sure they enjoy the game"

Ethan Ampadu has explained what facing Manchester United means to the squad ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash at Elland Road, insisting that the atmosphere and expectations surrounding the rivalry can provide Daniel Farke's side with an extra edge.

The Whites welcome their fierce rivals to West Yorkshire, looking to turn the occasion into another memorable afternoon for their supporters, with last season's meetings providing contrasting experiences for the Leeds captain.

Ampadu was part of the side that secured a famous 2-1 victory at Old Trafford in March 2026, with Noah Okafor scoring twice to hand Leeds their first league win at the ground since 1981.

The result was one of the standout moments of the campaign, giving the travelling supporters a night to remember and inspiring a song dedicated to the Swiss forward.

However, the Welsh international was unable to feature in the return fixture at Elland Road, having received his fifth yellow card of the league campaign during the preceding match against Liverpool.

The resulting suspension meant he could only watch from the stands as Leeds and Manchester United played out a 1-1 draw.

Reflecting on the disappointment of missing the home encounter, Ampadu acknowledged the significance of the occasion and the excitement that builds among supporters in the days leading up to the fixture.

"I didn't play in the game at Elland Road, which was a really disappointing part of last season for me," he said.

"Seeing the buzz among the fans leading up to it is definitely a great experience. Of course, we're made aware of the importance of the game. The players who were here last season got to experience winning at Old Trafford, which was one of the best nights of the season for us to enjoy with the fans - especially straight after the game."

The captain's comments underline the importance of the fixture within the Leeds dressing room, with the players fully aware of the rivalry's significance to the club's supporters.

While the victory at Old Trafford remains a cherished memory, Ampadu is keen to ensure the team creates further moments for fans to celebrate.

"Hearing how much the fans still talk about that night now, we definitely know what it means to them, and we want to give everything we can to make sure they enjoy the game," he added.

The expectation surrounding Sunday's encounter extends beyond the memories of last season, with Leeds supporters hoping their side can establish themselves in the Premier League and compete against some of the division's biggest clubs.

Several pundits have tipped Leeds to perform well in the fixture, but Ampadu recognises that the pressure comes primarily from the passion of the supporters and the history between the two sides.

Rather than viewing that expectation as a burden, the midfielder believes the atmosphere can provide Leeds with an additional source of motivation when they take to the pitch.

"Fans make you aware of it, it gives you that little bit of an extra edge," Ampadu explained.

The Leeds captain also acknowledged that the rivalry carries an added intensity because of the relationship between the two sets of supporters, with the history between the clubs helping to make these encounters particularly significant.

"The history between the clubs and the two sets of supporters, that's why the rivalry is what it is," he said.

"We can understand the added pressure this game brings, it's something we relish and enjoy but we want to make sure we go out and get three points like we try to do at any other game at Elland Road."

Ampadu's message reflects the mentality Farke will want his players to carry into one of the biggest fixtures on the Leeds calendar.

The atmosphere at Elland Road can be a major advantage for the home side, particularly when the players give the crowd reasons to believe that another memorable result is possible.

The 2-1 victory at Old Trafford demonstrated what Leeds can achieve when they combine discipline, intensity and quality in the decisive moments.

Repeating that achievement against their rivals will be a difficult challenge, but the captain's comments suggest the squad understands what is required of them.

Ultimately, Ampadu knows that the significance of Sunday's match is not lost on the players.

The history, the rivalry and the memories of last season all contribute to the occasion, but the objective remains the same as it would be for any other league fixture.

Leeds want three points, and their captain is determined to ensure the supporters leave Elland Road with another result worth remembering.