There’s no chance you’d expect reading this headline in 2022, but, it’s true! Manchester United have been linked with a surprise move for former Tottenham star Tom Huddlestone.
As reported by the Telegraph, the Red Devils want to sign the 35-year-old in a coach/player capacity for their under-21 side.
As per the rule book for Premier League 2, Huddlestone would be allowed to play as an over-aged player for an underage side, much like Ireland international Paul McShane did last season.
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Many would wonder that at 35, Manchester United could probably use Huddlestone in a holding midfielder role as they desperately need one at the moment.
With the Frenkie De Jong transfer looking highly unlikely now, it wouldn’t be bad at all if United deploy Huddlestone in that role.
United had earlier tried to appoint former players with an experience of playing for United for this role, but there were very limited options.
They chose Huddlestone, who knew academy chief Nick Cox from their time at Hull City.
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McShane made just five official appearances for United at youth level last season and Manchester Evening News believe that Huddlestone will make fewer appearances than that, as his role is more focused on coaching rather than playing matches.
Huddlestoone, who also played for the England national football team is viewed by United hierarchy as an ideal mentor and coach for the club’s latest academy enrollments as he had a distinguished career in English football, including over 240 Premier League appearances at senior level.
This news has come just days after it was announced that former Blackburn Rovers striker Benni McCarthy took up the role of a striker’s coach with Manchester United.
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Erik ten Hag explained McCarthy’s appointment, saying: “He has experience as a manager. He was a coach in the professional level and he was a former striker, a really successful striker as well.
“He will focus on the positioning and attacking. I am not saying only the strikers, but also the integration from the full-backs and midfielders. Our way of play has to be dynamic.”
Earlier this summer, United's head of academy Nick Cox had pointed out that changes are happening throughout United’s managerial and coaching hierarchy at every level.
“We are really pleased to confirm the new coaching structure for the Professional Development Phase.
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“The increase in flexibility reflects our bespoke approach to player development, focusing on supporting individuals to reach their potential by working with each specialist coach at the optimal time.
“The changes implement an ideal blend of long-standing club personnel and outstanding external appointments as we continue to appoint best-in-class staff throughout our world-leading youth development system.”
Topics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League
Mudeet Arora