Oxford was holding its breath today for the man who could be the saviour of beleaguered United.

Joe Kinnear, the former Wimbledon manager signed up by chairman Firoz Kassam, didn't make it to the Manor yesterday as originally billed.

But he is due to turn out for the U's home game against high-flying Wigan tonight.

Kinnear was offered the job of consultant while on holiday last week, and the appointment was trumpeted at a press conference on Thursday.

Since then, neither Kinnear nor Kassam has been available to fill in the details of the new role. Kinnear is widely expected to help attract a full-time manager to replace Denis Smith, who is still acting as an advisor at the club.

Meanwhile, fans desperate for a boost to United's flagging season have welcomed news of the 52-year-old's imminent arrival.

Writing on this site, e-mailer Padraig Brearnach says: "It is good news and raises the profile of United - it shows Kassam means business."

And in his Ginger Yellow, Chris Dammers writes: "His appointment is very much a double-edged sword - a great coup but also great expectation.

"It would be great if he could be persuaded to take on the manager's job full-time. Oxford, and in particular Firoz Kassam, must take this opportunity to show that we are a professional club with ambition and a future."

Fans' hopes are also riding high on the news that work on the new Minchery Farm stadium is planned to begin again next week.

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