The ex-Manchester United man with a foot in both camps as Stockport and Salford chase same goal

It's a case of friends re-United for Phil Bardsley tonight as Stockport County prepare to host Salford City in a crunch clash at the top of League Two.

Manchester United great Gary Neville will be in the crowd at Edgeley Park with the pundit part of the co-ownership group of Salford alongside brother Phil, David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt. The latter will likely be in attendance as chief executive of the Ammies. Bardsley, currently sidelined with a knee injury, will have time for a catch up before kick off with his former United team-mates.

When Bardsley broke though at Old Trafford he was given guidance and support by those who will be donning the red of Salford tonight. Butt was alongside a debutant Bardsley in 2003. Gary Neville was on the pitch when his Champions League bow arrived, as a replacement for Paul Scholes in 2005. He shared a pitch, and a city of origin, with Ryan Giggs.

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"It will be nice to see some old faces," said Bardsley, speaking to the Manchester Evening News. "I see them (the Class of 92) about, but we're not really in touch. We get on and we have a decent relationship and they were a big part of my career growing up and coming through the system at Manchester United.

"Some I leaned on for experience and help and guidance and they provided it at a young age when I was a bit wet behind the ears. You get to a certain age, you are playing for Man United, and you think you can do what you want. You need players like that to give you a kick up the arse now and again. United was the best education you could have had in your life.

"All of them have had mega careers and gone into business and