Decline. Fall from grace. This is how you would describe the last ten years in Leeds United's history. But it would appear that they are on the rise again after knocking out a strong Manchester United side out of the FA Cup in what is the biggest shock in years.After a Saturday of 3rd round action that saw no real surprises and dwindling attendances, it seemed that the nation may have fallen out of love with the famous old competition. Not today. Manchester United were desperate not to be beaten by their opponents from League One, but while they were not at their best, you could see the frustration on the faces of their players and how much they wanted to win. Those Manchester United fans did not want to be beaten by their old rivals because no team, no matter how big likes being knocked out of the FA Cup, as could be seen by Sir Alex Ferguson's obvious frustration on the touchline.
Indeed Leeds could have won it more comfortably, having more chances late in the game as Manchester United pressed for a way back into the game and credit to manager Simon Grayson who was not afraid to come out and have a go. At the end of the game you did not feel that Leeds weren't value for their victory. Maybe if some more Premier League sides approached a trip to Old Trafford in the same way they might get a result.
What we have seen this weekend though is that the bigger teams still want to win the FA Cup. Liverpool, Arsenal, Everton and Tottenham all played reasonably strong sides and while it may not be priority number one for the 'big four' it is still a major trophy they all want to win.
So what will this result do for Leeds? Well for a start they've been handed another plum tie as they will visit Tottenham in round 4 in what will be another reminder to where Leeds want to return to playing week in, week out. But more importantly they currently sit eight points clear at the top of League One as they look to escape the third tier at the third time of asking. And if they are successful, they will surely feel they have the squad for a Championship promotion push, as sides such as Nottingham Forest and Leicester are doing after returning from the third tier.
So for the first time for years, things are starting to look positive for a Leeds United fan, and they will be hoping that it won't be too long before they can return to Old Trafford in the Premier League.
