The Argentina star stayed only a few months with the Hammers two seasons ago and the legalities of that loan deal are still being discussed.

But on the pitch he was undoubtedly a revelation and his goals, including a last-day winner at Old Trafford, enabled a side which had looked doomed to relegation to beat the drop by the narrowest of margins.

And Noble was sure that would earn him a warm welcome from fans who have a history of hostility towards the Red Devils.

He said: "The crowd love players like that and he was a god here. I'm sure he will get a great reception.

"He was so enthusiastic about football and what he had done in the game before he came to West Ham was amazing.

"He was touted to go to some of the best clubs in Europe like Barcelona and Real Madrid but he came to West Ham and he wasn't at all big-headed.

"He came here, we pulled off the great escape and a lot of that was down to him."

Tevez's United future remains in the balance as he has yet to agree a permanent deal with the Premier League title-holders.

But Noble was not expecting a player who is coveted by Real Madrid and Manchester City to move on any time soon.

He said: "Carlos is one of the best players in the world in my opinion. From playing with him and just being around him, I know he is a great asset to have in the team and squad.

"I am positively sure he will stay at United because they are the best. If he was going to play for anyone it was going to be Manchester United and that's where he wants to be.

"United also have Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov but when you are going for so many competitions you need talent and depth in the squad.

"United have got that and if they can acquire Carlos as a full-time player then he will be an asset to them for years to come."

Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola admitted he was a Tevez fan.

He said: "I value Tevez very much. He is a very good player and is going to be a danger.

"He will get a warm welcome but hopefully he will get emotional and not perform at his best.

"He plays as a second striker like me and he is a similar build with similar qualities."

United have been beaten on their last two trips to Upton Park, with Ronaldo missing a penalty in last season's 2-1 defeat.

The Hammers are unbeaten in their last eight matches and Zola is confident of extending that run.

He said: "With Manchester United, the danger can come from four or five different players but if we're good as a team then we have a great chance of getting a result."