After United’s glorious escape from the second tier, Sgt Wilko spent big to ensure his side were ready for their first top flight campaign in seven years.
Far from scraping by to avoid returning from whence they came, United excelled.
The Whites reached the league cup semi-final, where they were knocked out by rivals Manchester United - but, crucially, Leeds finished higher in the First Division rankings than their cross-Pennine enemies.
Wilkinson’s side ended their first season back in the country’s most competitive division in an impressive fourth place - though the best was yet to come.
7. Leeds United 1990/1991
Weeks after Vinnie Jones left Elland Road to join Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United in September 1990, the midfielder played in a 2-0 defeat against his former side at Bramall Lane. | Getty Images
8. Leeds United 1990/1991
The newly-promoted Whites took 13 points from their first ten games back in the First Division. | Getty Images
9. Leeds United 1990/1991
The Elland Road faithful celebrate a Carl Shutt special v Southampton, December 1990. | Varley Pictures
10. Leeds United 1990/1991
Summer signing Chris Whyte, who arrived from West Brom for £450,000, scores his first goal for Leeds in a 3-2 home defeat to Queens Park Rangers. | Varley Pictures
11. Leeds United 1990/1991
After overcoming Barnsley in their opening tie, Leeds drew Arsenal in the fourth round of the FA Cup. It took no less than four replays to find a winner, with the Gunners eventually beating Leeds 2-1 on their own turf. | Getty Images
12. Leeds United 1990/1991
22-year-old David Batty was awarded Leeds United Player of the Year. | Getty Images