Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists Man United have been ‘waiting years’ to renew their rivalry with Leeds

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer they can’t wait to renew enemies with Leeds as the two former rivals meet in the Premier League for the first time in almost 17 years at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Solskjaer last played United for Leeds in February 2004 before the Yorkshire club’s relegation plunged into the football desert three years after reaching the Champions League semi-finals.

The fixture was one of the most controversial in the English calendar, and Solskjaer played its part for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side. In the 2001-02 season, he came off the bench for a late equalizer at Old Trafford and then hit two in a 4-3 win at Elland Road. He was also on target in United’s 3-2 win in 1998.

As he prepares to lock horns with Marcelo Bielsa’s team as manager, the United boss said: ‘I can’t wait. It’s been too long, of course. I know what it means for our fans and our club.

‘It’s a different kind of Leeds to come up with the coach who has done a good job with them and will test us to the minimum.

There were a few fire games with tacks flying in and players from both teams winning. We had a few fights, of course. Elland Road was not the quietest place when we got off the coach walking into the stadium, putting it that way.

There are a lot of good memories. I enjoyed scoring two goals in a win at Elland Road. I came on as a sub (at Old Trafford) and headed at the back stick from a cross from Giggsy with a head back to the other side.

‘They were two good teams back in the day. I enjoyed building up to the games and the quality they had tested us as a team with as well.

Sunday is a big game. We’ve been waiting years and we’ll be ready for it. ‘

United will lately examine Edinson Cavani who has lost the last three games with groin pressure and could miss at least three more if found guilty of misconduct over a social media post.

‘We’ve talked to Edinson about it,’ Solskjaer said. He apologizes and hopes that his mistake will not be costly.

‘We know it wasn’t meant in a malicious way. It is explained that there are cultural and linguistic differences.

‘He’s still working on it so healthy. He’s very metallic in his rehab work and didn’t feel right. He was unable to play against Sheffield United so we’ll see how he feels in the last training session. ‘

Solskjaer must carefully plan a route through a busy Christmas program with five games within 12 days. Players need to take a break and that could mean breaking up Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof’s midfield pair of favorites.

‘Victor and Harry have been very consistent but they may get to a point where they need to rest,’ Solskjaer said.

‘Harry played the biggest moments in European football last season, and I think he enjoys playing. Victor is maturing, growing and getting used to the demands of the Premier League.

Eric (Bailly) and Axel (Tuanzebe) are slightly injured but are available for Leeds I hope. We’ll see what we do. ‘

Saturday marks the second anniversary since Solskjaer returned to United as head of the guardian before coming to work permanently.

He admits that there is still work to be done and jokes that the pressures of the job have had a major impact on his appearance.

“I hate talking about what I’ve done and where we are,” he said. ‘I don’t like that thing. I am always looking forward and I know there is still a lot of work to be done to get to the level and level I want. That is what we work for every day.

‘I’ve really enjoyed these two years, even though games like the Sheffield United make my hair turn even gray very quickly!’