Pascal Struijk reveals Wayne Rooney's take on Leeds United's promotion as champions and guard of honour

By Lee Sobot
Published 27th Jul 2020, 16:50 BST
Updated 27th Jul 2020, 17:02 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
PASCAL Struijk has reflected on his full Leeds United debut facing Wayne Rooney who admitted the Whites deserved their Championship title and Pride Park guard of honour.

Struijk came into the Whites starting line-up for a full league debut in United's penultimate game of the season at Derby with Marcelo Bielsa's side already crowned Championship champions.

With Ben White staying at centre-back even in the absence of the injured Kalvin Phillips, that meant a baptism of fire for 20-year-old Struijk who faced a battle in centre midfield against former Manchester United and England captain Rooney.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Derby captain Rooney had earlier led from the front as the Rams formed a guard of honour to welcome the newly-crowned Championship winners on to the Pride Park pitch.

FACING GREATNESS: Leeds United's Pascal Struijk is challenged by Wayne Rooney on his full Whites debut in the 3-1 victory at Derby County. Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images.FACING GREATNESS: Leeds United's Pascal Struijk is challenged by Wayne Rooney on his full Whites debut in the 3-1 victory at Derby County. Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images.
FACING GREATNESS: Leeds United's Pascal Struijk is challenged by Wayne Rooney on his full Whites debut in the 3-1 victory at Derby County. Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images.

And despite head coach Bielsa making seven changes to his side, United recorded a 3-1 victory with Struijk excelling in the holding midfield role and with his side praised by Rooney.