Tom Huddlestone and Manchester United youngsters handed squad numbers

Manchester United player-coach Tom Huddlestone will wear the number 35 shirt this season after coming off the bench to help the U21s open up their Papa John's Trophy quest with a 2-1 win over League Two opponents Carlisle United at Brunton Park on Tuesday night.

Huddlestone, 35, represented Derby County (twice), Tottenham, Wolves and Hull City throughout a playing career which also brought him four international caps. He's now being tasked with helping to guide the next generation at Old Trafford on the training ground and directly on the pitch in his new position.

United were keen to bring an experienced professional into their innovative role after Paul McShane - who played alongside Huddlestone at Hull between 2013 and 2017 - opted to hang up his boots last season. McShane has since been promoted to a full-time development phase coach.

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Goals from Charlie McNeill and Omari Forson - either side of a reply from Carlisle star Jamie Devitt - did the damage as United overcame League Two opponents in their first Northern Group G match. Huddlestone and co will also play Barrow and Fleetwood Town in the much-maligned competition.

Huddlestone came off the bench for the final 25 minutes and wore the number 35 shirt.

Rising starlets including Zidane Iqbal (55) and Alejandro Garnacho (49) also featured and have been assigned squad number upgrades this season. Iqbal wore 73 when making his debut for the first-team last season and Garnacho has switched from number 75 to underline his ongoing development and status within the senior group.

Manchester United squad numbers vs Carlisle United

35: Tom Huddlestone

49: Alejandro Garnacho (last season 75)

50: Radek Vitek

55: Zidane Iqbal (last season