Inside Story: Kanchelskis's visit to Carrington

In March 1991, it is fair to say he was an unknown quantity when signing from Shakhtar Donetsk but Alex Ferguson had personally scouted the winger in an international between his beloved Scotland and Soviet Union and was convinced it was worth taking the gamble.

There were no YouTube highlights compilations, nor detailed data reports of his strengths and weaknesses online. In fact, I remember his first appearance in the squad for a game at Crystal Palace, somewhat out of the blue, was reported by Teletext as United including a Russian defender called 'Kontchelskis'.

Yet Andrei was far from defensive. He was explosive, with acceleration and directness that instantly marked him out as a crowd favourite.

Old Trafford had to wait until the following season, and the opener against Notts County, to get a first glimpse of the enterprising new boy.

An ability to latch onto Peter Schmeichel's huge throws, the stuff of legend, and match the progressive play of Lee Sharpe or Ryan Giggs on the opposite flank, meant the Reds were just so entertaining to watch.

Kanchelskis was steal at £650,000 and soon become a key figure as the trophies started racking up at the club, including the first league title since 1967 and a maiden Double in 1993/94.

I admit that Kanchelskis was probably my favourite player around that time, so it was an absolute pleasure to meet him for his tour of Carrington. Although I'd previously interviewed him over the phone, it was fascinating to be able to chat to him and his son, also called Andrei, and talk up those glory days.

Now 56, the man who scored in Manchester, Merseyside and Glasgow derbies (a staple pub-quiz question) showed up early in the morning for the visit after previously spending time at another of his former clubs, Everton, and seeing their win against Nottingham Forest.

Greeted by MUTV's Mark Sullivan and our camera crew, he wasted little time in embarking on a tour of the plush Carrington complex.

He remarked how it was a far cry from his days training at The Cliff, our old base, and marvelled at the state-of-the art facilities.

Andrei, as coach of Russian Second Division side Dynamo Bryansk, was intrigued by the players each having their own personal nutritional plan and lingered in the canteen to check out the breakfast and lunch options, revealing his pre-match meal of choice was chicken and beans.

The sight of the barbers generated some laughter and surprise but it was clear he was impressed with the effort made to make the environment a hospitable one where the squad can mingle and mix before and after training.

Popping along the corridor, Andrei paused to point out the giant picture of our 2008 Champions League final success against Chelsea. Remarking how it came in Moscow, he and Andrei Jnr met the players afterwards as they were staying in a hotel nearby and it clearly evoked good memories from that rainy night in Russia.

Next up was the gym and, again, the suggestion that this was all very impressive, and the perfect place for Ruben Amorim's squad to ensure they remain in tip-top shape. He also enquired about where the women's team and youth sides were housed and, later, took some time to visit the Academy building opposite.

Over a coffee, an espresso in Andrei's case, we chatted generally about his career at United and football in general.

Admitting there had been a lot of nonsense rumoured and written about his shock exit in 1995, he was clearly still frustrated that injury had played the major role in his Old Trafford stint being cut annoyingly short. The fact he missed the 1995 FA Cup final against his soon-to-be-employers Everton still rankled and playing in pain and discomfort had been causing him issues in that 1994/95 season.

As one of three high-profile departures, alongside Paul Ince and Mark Hughes, it was a summer that rocked the fans and I was keen to reiterate just how fondly he is remembered here. And the sentiment was clearly reciprocated, with the ex-winger still enthralled by United and proud of his part in the success under Sir Alex (while Andrei Jnr supports Everton, Andrei's daughter is a Red!)

He recalled how all teams would have star players back then, effortlessly reeling off a string of names of his peers and those he most respected, including Matt Le Tissier and Gianfranco Zola. Advocating the merits of playing with wingers, he also detailed how he would have to stay on after training to practice crossing, over and over again, as Ferguson looked to make his influence stick.

This was not a problem for Kanchelskis, who suggested the reason he settled so quickly, and seamlessly, into English football was because he was used to playing in the same system under legendary Russian boss Valery Lobanovsky.

When the conversation switched to management, while admitting he does sometimes shout at his players, he did laugh and insist it was not at the level Sir Alex used to reserve for his charges!

Obviously, keen to take on board any advice and ideas, he also had a chat with another former Red, Phil Bardsley, as we waited for the green light to stroll over to the pitches.

He was enthusiastic about attending a training session for Ruben's squad, with only another quick word with MUTV breaking up his studying of the work being undertaken by the first team.

There was also time to receive the gift of one of our retro shirts, the home one with the white lace from his early time at the club, and I also showed him my original black jersey from the Double-winning campaign in 1993/94, which he admitted was his favourite and similar in look to our current third strip.

While Andrei and his son may have enjoyed their day at Carrington, with the former Russia international looking forward to a Guinness while taking in the European action on TV that evening, it could not have been at the same level as getting to meet one of our 1990s idols after all this time. Andrei Kanchelskis will always be revered by United fans who remember those days of dashing down the right wing, he must be in the argument for our fastest-ever player, and it was an absolute joy to be able to help welcome him back to the club.