Manchester United appointment could unlock Isak Hansen-Aarøen and Kobbie Mainoo potential

Manchester United have finally signed an experienced defensive midfielder in the summer transfer window. The only problem is that it's Tom Huddlestone and he's a player-coach at academy level.

Erik ten Hag and United officials were in agreement that strengthening in midfield was their priority before the new season starts, but Christian Eriksen is the only new arrival in that area ahead of the opener against Brighton this weekend.

It is by no means a criticism of the Danish international, who has oozed class since he joined. But having lost Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata on free transfers, there is clearly a need for more.

READ MORE: Why United have signed Huddlestone

Work will continue on addressing the problem position before the deadline, and Ten Hag must be well aware that his hopes of success next season could hinge on whether or not United manage to add another elite midfielder to their current player pool.

It means United's focus is very much on the present, but they have also made an important investment in their future with the aforementioned appointment of Huddlestone. The 35-year-old has been appointed as the new player-coach at academy level, though his role is expected to focus more heavily on coaching and he will likely only feature in a handful of matches at most in the coming season.

By the elite standards of United, someone like Huddlestone might not appear to be the most glamorous appointment. However, he deserves huge respect for what he has achieved in the professional game.

Huddlestone used his profile for good as a player, as a regular fundraiser for charity. Back in 2011, after scoring a goal for Tottenham against Arsenal, he accepted a challenge not to cut his hair until