Former Manchester United striker Frank Stapleton believes it will be an emotional night for Portsmouth assistant boss Brian Kidd as he returns to Old Trafford.

"It's going to be a huge occasion for Brian, who is a massively popular figure at United," Stapleton told The News.

"Up to the point of Paul Hart asking him to join him, he was doing some match-day work at Old Trafford, making appearances on the corporate side.

"He's a real legend at the club, he's one of those players that will never be forgotten after scoring in the 1968 European Cup final as a teenager. That was United's first-ever European win and because of that he will always be welcome here.

"Since then he's worked alongside Sir Alex Ferguson and the club had good times. He left just before clinching the treble in 1999, but he was a big part of that.

"I'm sure his heart is still at United - but tonight he will definitely be wanting Portsmouth to win, no question about that. Brian's gone to Portsmouth and done tremendously well with Paul Hart. They were a team on the slide and I don't think I am being too harsh to say that. But he has helped stop that and are now looking like they are going to be here again next season.

"He's always been a fantastic coach, though. Earlier in his career he went abroad - to places like Italy and Holland - and studied their coaching methods and variations. He picked up a lot of those ideas and they have helped in his career and continue to bear fruit.

"This is a big match for United and for an ex-United player there is always something special coming back to Old Trafford. Brian's bound to get a very good reception. He deserves it and I wish him all the best - but not tonight!"