Player booed by his own fans on multiple occasions during Man Utd vs Leeds friendly as viewers react to scenes
Jack Harrison found himself at the center of controversy during Leeds United’s recent friendly match against Manchester United in Stockholm. As his name was announced before kickoff at the Strawberry Arena, boos rang out from the Leeds supporters, and the jeers continued each time he touched the ball throughout the first half.
Harrison, who rejoined Leeds this summer after a two-year loan at Everton, hasn’t exactly been welcomed back with open arms. His choice to leave for Everton shortly after Leeds dropped out of the Premier League — despite having signed a five-year contract just months earlier in April 2023 — is still a sore spot for many fans. The perception among sections of the Leeds faithful is that he abandoned the club when it needed him most. Even his mother’s public comments didn’t help, further straining his relationship with the supporters.
Football League World pundit and Leeds fan Kris Smith previously summed up the sentiment among fans, stating bluntly that Harrison had “burned his bridges” and would never be accepted back at Elland Road.
The reaction in Sweden on Saturday reinforced that feeling. As reported by journalists at the game, including Graham Smyth and Isaac Johnson, Harrison’s name was met with loud disapproval before the match, and fans continued to boo him during play. While many fans expressed anger, others questioned whether the treatment was fair. Some pointed out that Leeds themselves had nearly finalized a move to Leicester for Harrison before he ended up at Everton, suggesting the situation was more complicated than it seemed.
There are also those who believe Harrison deserves a fresh start. They argue that he’s shown professionalism since returning to training and has been working hard on the pitch. Graham Smyth even noted that sources inside the club describe his attitude as faultless.
Despite this, tensions are high, especially with Leeds set to face Everton in their opening Championship match at Elland Road. That game could become a flashpoint if fans continue to voice their frustration, especially with Harrison potentially facing boos from the home crowd while playing against his former loan club.
At the moment, there’s no concrete sign that Harrison will be leaving the club again, but if the tension persists, a summer move could still be on the cards. Leeds may eventually have to decide whether to prioritize team unity or hold on to a player who still divides the fanbase. Either way, manager Daniel Farke faces a tough task in handling the situation carefully to avoid further disruptions to the squad.
