Leeds Prove FA Cup Romance Still Alive

After an all-too-predictable Saturday of NFL jerseys FA Cup results, Leeds United’s 1-0 triumph at Old Trafford against Manchester United on Sunday was just what the neutrals ordered.

Leeds, who nowadays ply their trade in England’s third tier, were given odds of 12/1 by some betting outlets ahead of the third-round tie.

And considering the rivalry of the two clubs, who a decade ago were battling it out at the top of the English Premier League, it seemed unlikely the Red Devils would be kind enough to offer their lower-ranked opponents a chance.

The fixture offered a game of intrigue considering the history, but realistically Leeds stood little chance. Apparently at least.

Jermaine Beckford’s 20th minute strike gave Leeds the advantage and the Mancunians had no reply, meaning the Whites ended Manchester United’s FA Cup run at the earliest stage since 1984.

Sure, the Red Devils were short of several stars but there’s no avoiding the size of this upset. It was massive. It was pure drama. Footballing theatre.

But after all, results like this are just what the FA Cup is all about. Well, that is at least what it used to be about.

Indeed, Saturday’s offering of third-round fixtures provided no genuine upsets whatsoever, with the only Premier League clubs to bow out, Blackburn and Hull, falling at the hands of another top flight club.

And in the last 15 years only once has the FA Cup been won by a club outside the big four of Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United.

That rare glitch, of course, being Portsmouth two seasons ago when they defeated second-tier Cardiff City in the final at Wembley.

But given the relative strength and professionalism of the Premiership’s big boys these days, the romance of the FA Cup seems a mere memory.

And you fancy dream cup runs like Wycombe Wanderers’ journey to the semi-finals in the 2000-2001 FA Cup have becoming an extreme rarity.

Nevertheless, Leeds’ triumph at Old Trafford on Sunday sparked some of that old FA Cup romantic sense amongst the neutral fans.

It was a result which was simply stunning. And it could only happen in England’s FA Cup, one of the truly great competitions of world football.