Middlesbrough boss Garry Monk returns to take on Leeds United this weekend.
Middlesbrough travel to take on Leeds United in the Championship this weekend, which means manager Garry Monk will be making his first return to Elland Road.
Monk left Leeds after just one season in the job at the end of last term, before heading to rivals Middlesbrough – and his exit left a sour taste in the mouths of Leeds supporters.
Marcus Tavernier of Middlesbrough shoots past Adam Smith of AFC Bournemouth
Those Leeds fans will make a hostile atmosphere for Monk on Sunday afternoon, and the Middlesbrough boss may call on a Leeds-born talent to aid his chances of leaving with all three points.
Whilst Boro splashed the cash on attackers such as Britt Assombalonga, Ashley Fletcher and Martin Braithwaite over the summer, it’s teenager Marcus Tavernier who has made an impact in recent games.
The 18-year-old talent – formerly of Newcastle United – has emerged in recent weeks, scoring against Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup before scoring the winning goal against Sunderland before the international break.
Marcus Tavernier of Middlesbrough celebrates scoring against Bournemouth
The brother of Rangers right back James Tavernier, the Middlesbrough ace is a left winger with pace and trickery, and his recent starts have suggested that Monk sees him as a player not only for the future, but also as somebody who can make an impact now.
Born in Leeds, Tavernier will be returning to his home city on Sunday, and as something of an unknown quantity to many, the Leeds defence must be wary of the threat he can pose out wide.
Monk will be hoping to claim all three points against his former club this weekend, and having Tavernier – a Leeds-born player – help him pile on the recent misery for the Whites would make it all the sweeter.
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