Former Manchester United stars join Macclesfield FC as Reds legend's son steps into management

Former Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley will be joining Alex Bruce at Macclesfield FC after the son of Reds legend Steve was appointed manager on Monday.

Macclesfield, who boast Robbie Savage as their director of football, currently sit 7th in the Northern Premier League which is the 7th tier of English football. The Silkmen have been searching for a new manager after parting ways with Mark Duffy last week.

In a surprise move, Savage has opted to appoint the former West Brom coach, as Duffy's successor. The 39-year-old will be assisted by Bardsley who was most recently plying his trade at League Two Stockport County.

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The right-back made 18 appearances for the Reds before joining Sunderland on a permanent basis in 2008. Bardsley is by no means the only man with United connections in the new backroom staff set up at Macclesfield though.

Former United academy coach Paul McGuinness has joined the team as head coach. Most recently, he was manager of England's U18s.

Speaking about the appointments, Savage said the trio's upbringing at United was a key factor in them being chosen to lead the club. "We are delighted to announce that Alex Bruce will be the new first team manager at Macclesfield FC, Paul McGuinness as head coach, Phil Bardsley as assistant manager, and Dan Ternent as head of recruitment," he said.

"Looking at Alex, Paul, and Phil and with my upbringing, the key values of coming through the system at Manchester United is a fundamental part of why we made these appointments. The ethos and the morals and the principles which we want to integrate into the football club are vital