DANNY SIMPSON will be steering clear of Sir Alex Ferguson when he returns to Old Trafford for the first time in three-and-a-half years this weekend - as he aims to dent his old manager's title bid.

Simpson spent four years as a professional and many more as an Academy prospect at United before finally leaving for Newcastle United on a permanent basis in January last year.

The 24-year-old has become one of the most consistent English-born right-backs in the country since, which is sure to have been noted by Ferguson ahead of this Saturday's meeting with the Magpies.

The memories of playing under Ferguson will never leave Simpson, although he will not be hunting him out when he heads back to play on his old ground for the first time since helping United to a 3-1 FA Cup victory over Tottenham in January 2008.

"This will be my first time back at Old Trafford - I've not played there since I was with United," said Simpson. "I've obviously played against Manchester United at our place, last year, which was a bit special but going back there to play is something different even from that.

"I won't be knocking on Sir Alex's door before or after the game, let's put it that way. Every player who plays under him still has the utmost respect for him and if I catch his eye I'm sure he'll say something. I'm sure he'll see me. I'm going there as a Newcastle player and that is my priority."

Simpson's Salford roots mean he was brought up in United heartland, while most of his family are avid supporters of the Red Devils so it will be an interesting afternoon for the defender come Saturday.

He said: "Half of my family are United, half of them are Manchester City. I've got loads of friends there and they'll be watching on. More are United, to be fair. My little brother is a Manchester City fan and so is my dad. I'm sure they'll be cheering me on even more at Old Trafford."

Regardless of the allegiances of his family, though, Newcastle's start to the campaign means there is a lot more riding on the trip to Old Trafford than just sentiment for Simpson.

After a club record 12-match unbeaten start to the Premier League season came to an end at the Etihad Stadium last Saturday, Newcastle could do with avoiding defeat to maintain their hold on third place.

Chelsea's defeat to Liverpool on Sunday means Newcastle are still the occupants of the third Champions League place, highlighting the impressive start to the campaign under Alan Pardew.

Simpson said: "It will be a really, really big moment in my career because not a lot of players leave Manchester United and go back as a Premier League player.

"It is even more special that I will be going back as part of a Newcastle United team that is very, very good. We won't be scared of going there at all."

Pardew should be boosted by the return to fitness of Leon Best, Cheik Tiote and Gabriel Obertan for the trip to United, but he will be in two minds about who to leave out.

Despite the defeat at City, Hatem Ben Arfa's appearance was one of the bright spots for Newcastle, as he caused problems to a City team that have been the best team in the Premier League this season.

Pardew said: "The ideas some of the Manchester City players present you with, and their flair, makes it very difficult for your defenders. I thought Hatem was at that level. I thought he created one or two things, burst away from players and kept possession.

"To say it was only a year ago he had that terrible injury, you have to say it was a really grand performance by him and he should be proud of that."

But Pardew also wanted to acknowledge the defensive work-rate of the Frenchman. He said: "I said to him, ‘coming into this team, the one thing the other players are wanting to see from you is energy' because that is what we have had all year. Every player who has come in has given me energy and he did give me that and extra quality. Hopefully he can take us forward."

* Kazenga LuaLua, 20, has joined Brighton on a permanent basis from Newcastle, having been on loan with the Championship side for the first part of the season. He has signed a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.