With a cross-Pennine rivalry dating back at least to the days of Don Revie and fuelled by controversial transfers and terrace animosity, games between Leeds United and Manchester United are a big deal.
And whilst Whites manager Daniel Farke is not naïve enough to downplay the significance of a game at Old Trafford, where his club has not won a league game since 1981, he argues where they find themselves in the table outweighs even that.
Leeds are the last of the Premier League relegation candidates to play this weekend, and in the worst-case scenario they will be a point and a place above the bottom three when they kick off at 8pm on Monday, with just seven games to do something about it. Even in the best case they will be 15th.
So the Old Trafford game would be of crucial importance regardless.
"We all know how much it means especially to everyone who's connected with Leeds United and we want to make our supporters proud," says Farke, taking Leeds to Old Trafford for the first time.
"But we won't need extra motivation because we know we play for each of the points right now, heading into the decisive period. We have to fight for each goal against us so we are highly motivated anyway.
"But of course we know how much it would mean to return with a positive result.
"It would be a major boost and also a big help in terms of our situation in the table and we're looking forward to this big game."
COOL HEADS: Daniel Farke wants Leeds United to strike the right balance at Old Trafford (Image: Steve Bardens/Getty Images)placeholder image
COOL HEADS: Daniel Farke wants Leeds United to strike the right balance at Old Trafford (Image: Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
Farke has not felt the need to speak to his injury-hit squad about the magnitude of the game, but is keen to make sure they are not too pumped up for it.
"I don't even have to mention (the importance) because when you are in touch with our supporters in everyday life, you know how much it means to them,” he added.
"I don't need to point this out, each of my players is aware of the importance and what it means to our supporters.
"It's even a bit more like to make sure they're not over-motivated and are going across the line. This is important, always to play with fire in the heart but also cool in the head."
OLD RIVALS: Leeds United and Manchester United were fierce rivals in the late 1960s and early 1970s and remain so today (Image: A Jones/Express/Getty Images)placeholder image
OLD RIVALS: Leeds United and Manchester United were fierce rivals in the late 1960s and early 1970s and remain so today (Image: A Jones/Express/Getty Images)
"Michael has played at a top level with world-class players, he was able to win trophies and this experience has helped," says Farke.
"I always liked the work he has also done on a different level. We crossed paths at Middlesbrough.
"His team always plays with lots of confidence, lots of freedom in their offensive movements and it's difficult to control the offensive processes and movements.
"He normally gives his offensive players lots of freedom to play and to attack games, to play very offensive-minded.
"I like his style a lot and I think it suits a team with many top players and players full of potential.
"It's no coincidence that he has had so many good results."