Verdict - Leeds United 2 Rotherham United 0: Marcelo Bielsa sets all-time record

Scorers: Luke Ayling celebrates his goal with Kemar Roofe, who scored the second for Leeds. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

THE edges have started to curl and what was once a bright blue has turned markedly duller.

But the advertising hoarding tucked under an iron bridge that carries a long disused railway across Gelderd Road, less than half-a-mile from Leeds United’s home, still requires a double take.

Marcelo Bielsa, looking suitably stern, stares back from said poster and the presence in the West Riding of the man described by Pep Guardiola as “the best coach in the world” remains strikingly surreal.

As does the manner in which a squad that displayed relegation form from January onwards last season has been transformed by the Argentinian into a vibrant and exciting group that currently boasts the Championship’s only remaining 100 per cent winning record.

Kemar Roofe goes round Sean Raggett to score his goal against Rotherham United. (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)

While achieving the football equivalent of turning water into wine by inspiring such a remarkable turnaround, Bielsa has become the first manager in United’s 99-year history to win his first four games.

No wonder Leeds, as a city, has fallen so fast and so hard for the 63-year-old. Such is the level of affection felt by the locals, in fact, that even the arrival on Saturday of the bucket Bielsa perches on during matches drew a round of applause.

Bielsa’s players, too, have clearly been bowled over with Samuel Saiz, back to the form that so wowed Elland Road in the opening months of last season, already a big fan of the new man’s methods.

“He is a tough manager but also an excellent one,” said the United play-maker. “The training is incredibly hard, the toughest I have ever had in my career.

“But it is also worthwhile. You can see that from the rewards we are getting out on the pitch.”

Rotherham made the short trip up the M1 still in mourning for honorary life-president Barry Chuckle, whose funeral service had been held at the New York Stadium 24 hours earlier.

Derby rivalries were put aside in the early exchanges as both sets of fans united to chant: “To me, to you,” the catchphrase made famous by the Chuckle Brothers.