English game still in debt to once mighty Huddersfield

Soccer Football - Premier League - Huddersfield Town vs Tottenham Hotspur - John Smith's Stadium, Huddersfield, Britain - September 30, 2017 General view inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Peter Powell

LONDON (Reuters) - In geographical terms 30 miles is all that separates Huddersfield Town to Manchester United yet for 45 years the two clubs may as well have existed in different football universes.

On Saturday the Terriers host the 20-times English champions for the first time since 1971 -- their biggest game since returning to the top flight via the Championship playoffs -- after spending decades decaying in the football wilderness.