To be United ex-star Duff

“You want players who want to come in and work hard to prove, basically, why the club signed them and that they should be playing at a club like United. If they do that then United can be where they want to be.”

And having spent the best part of a decade at Tannadice from the start of his career, he would like nothing better than to see them back in the top flight.

Last week he was back in a United strip for Dave Bowman’s annual game to raise cash for skin cancer and dementia charities. Running out at Tannadice reminded Duff where United should be.

“You look around the place and it’s geared up for the Premiership but no one has the divine right to be there, you have to earn it. It will be a battle again next season because it’s a tough league.

“But I was here nine-and-a-half years from when I was a kid and t he upbringing here was very good – second to none – so I want United back up.”

At 36, and despite recently taking on a new job with the Connect Energy Group that involves a lot of travelling, Duff has no plans to hang up his own boots.

Next season he’ll again be plying his trade in the Highland League with Inverurie Locos.

“The new job is keeping me busy but I do get Saturdays off so I’m available and happy to keep playing.

“We finished third last year, so the aim is to go a bit higher next season.”

signed a new deal with the Tangerines until the summer of 2020. He is set to be a crucial player next term.