The Leeds United-Manchester United rivalry is one of the fiercest in English football. It is one of the fixtures on the football calendar that every fan looks out for. In 2004, the dislike between the two fanbases accelerated due to one of the most controversial transfers in Premier League history.
A Local Hero Switching to the Old Enemy
In 2004, Leeds United favourite Alan Smith did something unthinkable: he moved across the Pennines to Manchester United in a £7 million switch. While it created shockwaves in the West Yorkshire city, it unexpectedly caused a linguistic phenomenon on the other side of the world.
In his three years at Old Trafford, he failed to find the form he enjoyed at Leeds, where he was a local hero among the fans. This drop in form gave rise to the phrase ‘Leeds Days’, which means the peak of a person’s life. Initially, this was a phrase used by South Korean football fans who followed the English game. However, over the years it has become a common phrase used by the 52 million population. This is despite the majority of these people having never heard of the player or the story behind it.
Inspiring a Favourite Leeds City Centre Food Spot
As well as creating a popular South Korean phrase, it has inspired one of the finest food spots in Leeds. The ‘Leeds Days’ restaurant is a must-visit for all you foodies when visiting the city. They serve up authentic Korean street food dishes such as:
- Bibimbap – Steamed rice and sautéed vegetables served with spicy gochujang sauce.
- Japchae – A Korean favourite! Sweet potato glass noodles stir-fried with vegetables and a sesame-soy sauce.
- Tokboki – Chewy wheat/rice cakes simmered in a rich sweet-spicy sauce.
- Chicken Gangjeong – Crunchy boneless chicken bites covered in either a sweet and chilli sauce, or a buttery soy garlic sauce.
Vegan or vegetarian? No problem, there are lots of options for you to try. You can then wash it all down with a Milkis, a refreshing mix of sparkling soda and creamy milk. While you eat, you can read the unique story of Leeds Days, proudly displayed on their striking turquoise walls.
So, when you are next in Leeds, head down to the Central Arcade to Leeds Days and grab yourself some authentic and delicious scran.
You’ll find Leeds Days at: Unit 2 Central Arcade, Leeds LS1 6DX.
Read More: The Iconic Football Film That’s A Must-See Whether You’re Leeds United Fan Or Not
Feature Image Credit: Leeds Days
