Town are still a club close to the 44-year-old’s heart, and he says: "I'm usually at Manchester United's games for work with MUTV but the very next result I look for is Huddersfield Town."

An initial loan spell was followed by a permanent move to the Terriers.

"I had three really good years there. The first year we were close to challenging for a play-off place. In the second year under Steve Bruce we just missed out. With the third year we ended up getting relegated and another change of manager from Steve Bruce to Lou Macari."

It's notable that the two bosses he mentioned, like Thornley himself, played for Manchester United.

Thornley was an ever-present in the United youth team that won the FA Youth Cup in 1992, appearing alongside future stars including David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville.

He went on to make his senior debut in February 1994, before suffering an injury two-months later that would curtail his United career.

Having made over 100 appearances for the club around the turn of the century it should come as no surprise that he tracks their progress closely, especially Town’s Premier League adventure.

"It was a great day for me when I watched them against Reading getting promoted and managing to keep themselves in the Premier League after the first season was a real coup. I love going back there and I'm always rooting for them to do well."

His time with Town coincided with Emley’s famous FA cup tie with West Ham United, although despite frequent friendlies between the West Yorkshire clubs this will be Thornley's first time on the field against Emley.

These days Thornley is back in the fold at Old Trafford and finds combining a match day hospitality role with media duties for MUTV has allowed him to fall back in love with football.

Of late he’s clearly enthused by recent performances under Ole Gunnar Solskjær.

"I know that football isn't played on sentiment, but after the two games that we've just had recently I was so pleased for Ole, you can’t help but root for him," added Thornley.

Whilst the Norwegian legend is in charge at Old Trafford, it's Thornley, in conjunction with another former Red Devil, Russell Beardsmore, who currently co-ordinate matches for the Manchester United Legends.

Emley will be the latest destination for the side, following on from trips to Malta, Bulgaria, Singapore and Malaysia. As well as regular games in the North West and rest of the UK.

With Town in action the day before, the match provides an ideal opportunity for fans to enjoy a full weekend of football whilst re-acquainting themselves with the winger.

Already confirmed for the match are Champions League winner Wes Brown and Lee Martin, whose goal in the 1990 FA Cup final replay earned Alex Ferguson his first silverware at the club.

Along with Jonathan Greening, a couple of guest players have been brought in by Thornley "to do the hard yards" in Michael Gray, who played for Sunderland, and Lee Hendrie of Derby County and Aston Villa fame.

Further names are to be confirmed over the coming weeks for both Emley’s All Stars and the Manchester United Legends and Thornley is promising that those attending what is expected to be a sell-out match will see some very good and prestigious players.

"We want it to be enjoyable, we also want people to see a decent game of football from a group of ex-pros," he explained.

"And that is what you can expect. There’s certainly not going to be any stupid tackles. Certainly not on our part!"

Tickets for the match, which kicks off at 2pm on Sunday April 5 next year are available now, exclusively through Eventbrite

See Ben as part of the Manchester United Legends here at Emley on April 5th. Buy your tickets online here, in person at The Wentworth (opposite the football club) or phone 01484 506940