Premiership: O'Leary issues Kidd plea

Leeds boss David O’Leary today urged Manchester United fans not to turn against former hero Brian Kidd when he makes his long-awaited return to Old Trafford tomorrow.

It is three years since a man who has now become O’Leary’s trusted lieutenant walked out on United to take over at Blackburn after seven seasons as right-hand man to Alex Ferguson.

Prior to that Kidd was youth team coach and instrumental in developing the likes of David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and the Neville brothers, Gary and Phil, all home-grown players who have made United a team to be feared throughout Europe.

Although Kidd’s reign at Ewood Park was short-lived, O’Leary recognised his talents and after an initial spell in charge of the Leeds’ youngsters, was soon appointed first-team coach ironically just 24 hours before United visited Elland Road last March.

Given Kidd’s 15-month association with Leeds, it would be easy for the animosity which exists between the two sets of fans to prove detrimental to the warm welcome O’Leary feels such a key figure in Manchester United’s rise to dominance deserves.

‘‘I was shocked to find out the other day Brian had not yet been back, so tomorrow is more about him than anything else,’’ asserted O’Leary.

‘‘I know the players at Manchester United loved him over there, and he’s plenty now who love him here too, because he is such a fantastic person and coach.

‘‘So I hope it’s his day tomorrow and that the fans give him a fantastic reception.

He certainly deserves it off them after the unbelievable job he did there.’’

Kidd will be instrumental in helping to plot United’s downfall as Leeds have not won at Old Trafford since 1981 - a miserable record of 10 defeats and four draws in which they have scored just six goals.

O’Leary has not won on his three visits as Leeds boss, but returns with his team top of the Premier League and boasting the only remaining unbeaten top-flight record this season.

In fact, Leeds have lost just one of their last 25 league games, with Kidd having played his part in such a run and a man O’Leary would not now be without.

‘‘He’s been a real help to me since that first game against Manchester United,’’ said O’Leary, who is likely to name an unchanged side for the fourth successive game.

‘‘I’ve got top dollar in Brian. It’s all very well having somebody on the training pitch, but I judge a great coach by what he can given you during a match.

‘‘His advice is fantastic and at half-time whenever I ask him if he has anything to add, what he does say is always constructive.

‘‘When it does come to the training ground I’m the bad guy, while the players all think the world of him. They all believe Brian would have them in any team of his because of the way he makes them feel.

‘‘But he’s doing nothing differently here to what he did at Manchester United. He hasn’t changed so it’s not as if he’s passed on any trade secrets.’’

As for Kidd, he can see the similarities between the burgeoning Leeds players of today and the fledgling Manchester United side of a decade ago before they went on to win trophy after trophy.

Speaking recently, Kidd said: ‘‘The players have this belief with their ability but they also know they have to work harder and run faster than the other team to give themselves a chance.

‘‘If they’re not prepared to do that then they know they are going to be struggling. But you can’t level that at this squad because they’ve always shown a really good appetite.

‘‘There’s the same sense of hunger and determination here as there was during my time at Manchester United, and when you do see successful teams that have that hunger, it’s then about turning it into success.

‘‘We’re not at the level yet where we can say ‘we’re going to be winning this and we’re going to be winning that’.

We just need to keep progressing like we have done over the years and have realistic aims.

‘‘Everybody knows the squad here is one which is developing. We’ve not achieved anything, but that’s not due to the lack of hunger or desire within the players, that’s for sure.’’