Brown has burst onto the managerial scene over the past year after guiding Hull from the lower end of the Coca-Cola Championship to the upper echelons of the Barclays Premier League.

Yet while Brown has only come to widespread attention with Hull's superb start to the season, Manchester United boss Ferguson has been aware of him since his early days on the Bolton coaching staff.

"The first time he made reference to me was at an after-dinner do at Radcliffe Borough about 15 years ago," said Brown, whose side are two points above United going into tomorrow's game.

"He spoke and mentioned me as an up-and-coming manager. I rocked back - how does he even know me? I was proud of the fact I was on his radar.

"So he does his homework and leaves no stone unturned. He knows all about the opposition. He certainly knows his stuff."

Ferguson has spoken of his admiration for Brown's achievements this year.

Hull have 20 points from their first 10 games in the top flight and were unbeaten in six games before title challengers Chelsea won 3-0 at the KC Stadium on Wednesday.

"The performance level that Hull have achieved has been magnificent," Ferguson wrote in Inside United magazine.

"Obviously, they are a well-motivated club. The supporters are right up for it and Hull fans must feel like they are in heaven right now.

"Phil Brown's experience under Sam Allardyce is paying dividends. Full marks to them."

Brown admits he also owes Ferguson a debt of gratitude after he helped him get his first break in management at Derby three years ago.

Brown said: "He called the chairman, I asked him of course.

"He wouldn't have done it if he didn't think I was the right man for the job. I don't think he just picks phones up.

"It certainly helped me, it was a job I wanted, but I don't think he'll have such nice things to say about me tomorrow!"

Wednesday's defeat was a reality check for Hull after four consecutive wins but Brown is convinced they are still capable of causing United problems.

"The scoreline would suggest we were drubbed but we were in the game for long periods of time, up until the second goal," Brown said.

"I think the players can take a lot out of the game, the fact they can go on the same field as hundreds of millions of pounds worth of talent and compete at that level.

"That is exactly what is going to happen on Saturday.

"We are coming up against a world-class team and we know it is going to be difficult but if we bring a competitive performance to the table, like I know we can, then we will give them a game."

After naming the same side for the past five games, Brown is forced to make a change tomorrow with captain Ian Ashbee suspended.

Midfielder Bryan Hughes, who has made four substitute appearances this term, is hoping to get the nod in his place.

Hughes said: "Ash is obviously disappointed but if selected hopefully I can give a good account of myself.

"It has been frustrating being on the bench but at the same time it has been enjoyable because the team as done so well.

"We've had an unbelievable start and hopefully it will continue."

One player almost certain to feature is Brazilian Geovanni, the former Barcelona and Benfica midfielder who has been a revelation for the Tigers after signing on a free transfer from Manchester City.

Geovanni has hit four goals this term but Brown believes his claims before the Chelsea game that Hull would beat Luiz Felipe Scolari's side were ill-advised.

"So far so good," said Brown when asked about Geovanni's contribution. "But I think he talks to the press too much.

"He is very friendly and I know he is a good friend of Phil Scolari, but he came out with the wrong comments before the game and that motivated Chelsea. I'll be gagging him now!"