Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
George Flood

Tom Huddlestone joins Manchester United academy to succeed Paul McShane in hybrid player-coach role

Tom Huddlestone has now officially joined Manchester United.

The vastly experienced former Tottenham, Derby and Hull midfielder, 35, has been appointed to the Red Devils' academy setup in a player-coach capacity.

He takes over the hybrid role performed by ex-Republic of Ireland defender Paul McShane last year, with David Hughes also joining United's academy as professional development phase coach.

McShane announced his retirement from playing in May and is continuing his work as an academy coach at Old Trafford.

Huddlestone, who was released by Championship side Hull at the end of last season, will have to pass a medical in order to play for United’s Under-21s team in 2022/23.

New arrival: Tom Huddlestone (R) has joined Manchester United’s academy in a player-coach role (Manchester United via Getty Images)

He would do so as one of five permitted overage outfield players in Premier League 2 competition, plus the EFL Trophy.

“The experienced midfielder will create various unique development opportunities for United’s Academy players by coaching from within training sessions and driving daily standards on and off the pitch,” United said of the arrival of Huddlestone, who earned four senior England caps between 2009-12.

“United’s next generation of Academy graduates will benefit from Huddlestone’s impressive knowledge and capabilities accumulated throughout his career, which has seen him make over 550 professional appearances, including 242 games in the Premier League.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.