One man who knows the feeling of being in both camps is our Professional Development Phase coach, Paul McShane, who captained the Royals between 2015 and 2019.
McShane started out with United at youth level and, after a successful career that included many years in the Premier League with other clubs, the centre-back has now come full circle, helping to nurture the young talent we have coming through our Academy at Carrington.
The former Ireland international spoke to our matchday programme United Review ahead of tonight’s match, and says he is looking forward to seeing his former club and current employers lock horns at the Theatre of Dreams.