Why Manchester United are bringing Tom Huddlestone to the club

Manchester United have appointed Tom Huddlestone as their new player-coach at academy level.

United have been keen to bring an experienced professional into their innovative hybrid role after Paul McShane announced his retirement from playing at the end of last season.

McShane has since been promoted to a full-time player development phase coach as part of the latest academy reshuffle, meaning United no longer had a veteran that could be placed into match situations.

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That will be addressed with the appointment of Huddlestone, 35, who was playing in the Championship for Hull last season and is looking towards a future in coaching when he officially retires.

United had originally targeted former players with experience of playing for United for the role, but amid a limited player pool, they opted for Huddlestone, who knew academy chief Nick Cox from their time at Hull.

McShane only made five official appearances for United at youth level last season, and The Manchester Evening News understands that the expectation is that Huddlestone will make even fewer, unless there is an injury crisis, with his role more focused on coaching rather than playing matches.

The former England international is viewed as the ideal mentor for United's latest crop of youngsters after a distinguished career that saw him amass over 240 Premier League appearances.

United U21s begin their season when they travel to face Arsenal in the Premier League 2 on Saturday.

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