Hull City play host to Manchester United in the first game of the new Premier League campaign and Robbie Brady will be following the action closely.
Brady spent six seasons at the Theatre of Dreams and at one point was considered such a promising prospect that he was viewed as a possible replacement for Patrice Evra at left-back. However, after being unable to secure the first-team opportunities he wanted, he moved to the Tigers on loan initially, helping them achieve promotion to the top flight in 2013.
Departing Sir Alex Ferguson’s team was a significant decision but one Brady, who later shifted his position further forward on the pitch, has never regretted. He remains thankful to Ferguson for the chances afforded to him at Old Trafford.
Speaking to the Daily Star in 2013, he said he left United on amicable terms and that his time there had been invaluable in developing him as a player. He noted he would not have reached his current position without United and Sir Alex, and he had enjoyed his stint at the club.
He described it as the start of a fresh chapter. While Ferguson had used him at left-back and he now operates higher up the field, he believes this versatility has benefited him in the long term.
Leaving United was a major move, he explained, as it was all he had ever known. Nevertheless, it was the correct choice and he was content. He departed with Ferguson fully supportive of his decision.
Regarding his regard for Ferguson, he stated the manager was inspirational, the finest ever, and he had treasured the experience of learning from him. However, he felt the time had come to move forward and things were progressing nicely for him.
Brady accumulated 60 international caps for Ireland and featured at Euro 2016, where he scored a memorable header against Italy to clinch victory and send his nation into the knockout rounds.
Now 34, he finds himself without a club after departing Preston North End earlier this summer. He will almost certainly be monitoring what unfolds at the MKM Stadium, where Hull and United kick off their respective seasons with a Saturday lunch-time fixture.
The Tigers secured their return to the Premier League by winning promotion through the play-offs last term. Michael Carrick is aiming for a strong beginning to his tenure as full-time manager after guiding United to third place and Champions League qualification during his spell as caretaker head coach.