Paul Scholes had no hesitation in choosing the best atmosphere he ever experienced while playing for Manchester United.

Paul Scholes was quick to name the best atmosphere he experienced during his time at Manchester United, and it might surprise you.

The 50-year-old, one of the best midfielders of his era, amassed 25 trophies, including 11 Premier League titles, over 714 appearances for United. Throughout his career, Scholes played in some of Europe’s most famous stadiums, including Anfield, Wembley, and the Santiago Bernabeu. Yet, it was an English venue that he highlighted as having the most intense atmosphere he encountered.

Speaking on beIN Sports in 2018, Scholes said, “We [Manchester United] loved going to places where everyone is baying for blood. You’d go to Leeds, I know it’s on a domestic level… (their fans were) psychopaths! Absolutely mental fans.”

Leeds, alongside Liverpool and Manchester City, are among United’s fiercest rivals, and the atmosphere is always heightened when the two teams meet in West Yorkshire. Scholes faced Leeds 16 times during his playing career, winning 10 of those encounters.

His final match against Leeds came in February 2004, when he scored in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. Leeds were relegated that season, spending 13 years in the second tier before earning promotion back to the Premier League in 2020.

In December 2020, Leeds visited Old Trafford for the first league meeting with United since 2004, but they were defeated 6-2, with Scott McTominay scoring twice in the first three minutes. Bruno Fernandes and Victor Lindelof added to United’s lead, and though Leeds scored twice through Liam Cooper and Stuart Dallas, the result was already decided. The return fixture in April 2021 ended in a goalless draw.