Former Old Trafford great Joe Jordan does not see why Alan Smith should be condemned for crossing the great divide between Leeds and Manchester United.

Smith is expected to complete his hugely-controversial £7million move to the Red Devils on Wednesday, 26 years after Jordan made a similar switch from Elland Road.

The clear difference is that while Jordan gave Leeds sterling service during his eight years in West Yorkshire, Smith has actively promoted his love for his home-town club and was chaired from the pitch after their final home game of a disastrous season against Charlton three weeks ago.

His hero status will be shattered forever when he puts pen to paper on a Manchester United contract once his medical is completed later on Wednesday and the Red Devils fans are equally dubious about the prospect of signing a player who kissed the Leeds badge on his shirt after scoring at Old Trafford earlier this season.

But Jordan thinks the United faithful should give Smith a chance and cannot understand why the 23-year-old is being condemned by the supporters he is leaving behind.

"Alan has done exceptionally well for Leeds but the way I understand it, he has been put up for sale because they need the money," said the former Scotland forward.

"Under those circumstances, it seems only fair that he should have the opportunity to sign for who he likes.

"If he is fortunate enough to have a few options, that is better for him but he should still be able to choose the one he wants.

"Alan Smith is a smashing player and he wants to do the best for himself. I don't see why he should be condemned for that when it is Leeds who have made him available."

Smith's poor goalscoring record, allied to his public allegiance to Leeds, has raised obvious suspicions among the United support, who fear the deal may also be the prelude to the departure of prolific Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The player is likely to get a chilly response when he turns out at Old Trafford for the first time in August's Vodafone Cup, before which he will be part of United's three-match tour to the United States.

By then, Smith will probably still have the angry words of the Leeds fans still ringing in his ears as most are still unable to believe how a self-confessed Whites fan can even contemplate a move to the club they hate.

"It's a stab in the back for all Leeds fans," said Simon Jose, of the Leeds United Independent Fans' Association.

"But it reflects football as it stands today. The people at the highest level are in it for the money.

"There is simply no compassion or empathy with the fans any more. There are very few who seem to have any respect for the club or the badge.

"You cannot say you're a Leeds fan and then go to Manchester United. No Leeds fan would be seen dead in a Man U shirt.

"Alan Smith will now go down on a long list of people who have betrayed Leeds United, and as for him saying he would one day come back, there is no way that will ever happen."