United skipper Paul Butler told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "It's very strange to hear an ex-Leeds player say what he's said. "Okay, he's said he is a Sheffield United fan but I find it strange that any opposing manager wants to do someone else a favour to help them finish in second spot.
"It's probably done our gaffer's team talk for him. If any of our lads haven't read what he's said they'll know before the game that he wants to do Neil Warnock a favour. "I find it strange that an ex-player, who obviously has good connections here and was well thought of by the fans, should say what he has. "It's the first time I've come across anything like that."