Player booed by his own fans on multiple occasions during Man Utd vs Leeds friendly as viewers react to scenes

A player who featured in the friendly between Manchester United and Leeds was booed on multiple occasions during the opening 45 minutes of Saturday’s clash at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm.

Jack Harrison, who has returned to Leeds United this summer following a two-year loan spell at Everton, was thrown straight into Daniel Farke’s starting line-up for the game against United.

The 28-year-old’s decision to join Everton in the summer 2023, just months after Leeds were relegated from the Premier League, was controversial, to say the least.
In fact, some fans accused Harrison of jumping ship shortly after signing a new five-year contract in April 2023.

Kris Smith, a Leeds fan and pundit at Football League World, made his feelings clear on the situation earlier this year.

“I think it’s very clear to every single Leeds fan and everyone at the club that Harrison has completely burned his bridges at Elland Road, and he won’t ever be welcome back,” he said in February.

Harrison was reportedly booed by fans on Saturday. Image credit: GettyHarrison was reportedly booed by fans on Saturday. Image credit: Getty

Harrison was reportedly booed by fans on Saturday. Image credit: Getty

“He jumped ship when we needed him after relegation even though he signed a new deal in the April just before, and his actions ever since then, including comments from his mother of all people, just haven’t done anything to mend that relationship, so there’s no going back for him here.”

Harrison is hardly the most popular figure amongst Leeds supporters at present and on Saturday afternoon, the midfielder was booed both before and during the friendly against Manchester United in Sweden.
Leeds United reporter Isaac Johnson posted an update from the Strawberry Arena ahead of kick-off. “Jack Harrison gets a big boo from many of the Leeds fans as his name is read out over the tannoy,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Harrison was also booed in the opening stages of the contest, as Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Graham Smyth confirmed the jeers. He wrote: “5 – A few boos for Harrison from the Leeds end as hegets on the ball.”

One said: “Just not helpful at all is it,” while another commented: “Why? What has he done wrong? Remember, we’d practically sold him to Leicester before we shipped him off to Everton. The lad always gave his best in a Leeds shirt.”
A third wrote: “I don’t get it, if he’s willing to put the work in and from what I have seen so far he’s chasing players down and doing that, give him a chance to prove he’s worth it.”

A fourth said: “Pretty much how I expected it would go,” and a fifth added: “Pathetic.”

Earlier this week, Smyth gave an update on Harrison’s current status at Elland Road.

“Sources close to the player say that he was never going to refuse to report back and club sources say his attitude has been spot on, but there is no ignoring the elephant in the room,” he wrote in the Yorkshire Evening Post newsletter, as per Leeds United News.
This is a re-marriage of inconvenience and if it was to be made official when Everton visit Elland Road for the first game of the new season, there would be thousands rising to their feet to speak now in objection rather than holding their peace.”

He added: “By all accounts, done what all Leeds United footballers are expected to do. He’s trained hard, like a professional should.”

Jack Harrison’s return to Leeds United is shaping up to be one of the **most awkward storylines of the Championship season**, as tensions between the player and sections of the fanbase were made abundantly clear during Saturday’s friendly against Manchester United.

### ⚠️ What Happened:

During Leeds’ pre-season clash with Manchester United in Stockholm:

* **Harrison was booed** loudly when his name was announced over the tannoy.
* **Jeers continued** when he touched the ball during the first half.
* The booing came **from Leeds fans**, not United supporters — signaling lingering resentment.

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### 😤 Why Are Leeds Fans Upset?

The root of the backlash stems from:

* **Harrison signing a five-year contract in April 2023**, shortly before Leeds were relegated.
* Yet, **he left on loan to Everton just months later**, which fans interpreted as **disloyalty** or **abandoning the club**.
* Comments from Harrison’s **mother on social media**, and perceived indifference from the player, made things worse.
* Many feel **he burned bridges**, as echoed by Leeds pundit Kris Smith, who said:

> “He won’t ever be welcome back.”

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### ⚖️ The Other Side: “Unfair Treatment?”

Some fans and media figures are now pushing back:

* Pointing out that **Leeds had practically agreed a deal with Leicester** before he went to Everton.
* Emphasizing that Harrison has **trained professionally** since returning.
* Reporters like **Graham Smyth** confirm Harrison’s **attitude has been “spot on.”**

> A fan put it well:
> “If he’s willing to work hard — which he clearly is — give him a chance to prove himself again.”

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### 🧨 What This Means Going Forward

Leeds’ opening fixture is **against Everton at Elland Road** — a potential powder keg:

* Harrison could be booed **by his own fans**, even while playing **against the club he spent last season with**.
* This could create a **toxic atmosphere**, unless either:

* He delivers outstanding performances to win fans back, or
* A late summer transfer takes him away from Elland Road.

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### 🔮 What’s Next for Harrison?

* **No imminent transfer** is reported, but with tension this high, **a move could be explored** — if suitable interest arises.
* Leeds might be forced to **weigh team harmony** against player quality.
* Daniel Farke’s man-management will be **critical** — he needs Harrison focused and supported, not vilified.

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Would you like a breakdown of Leeds’ likely starting XI with Harrison included — or an analysis of clubs that could realistically come in for him before the window closes?