Manchester United have re-signed a former academy talent – two decades after he left the club – as a player-coach for their Under-21 side.
The Red Devils have been looking for a replacement for Tom Huddlestone, who left United in May, after spending two years in that role with the U21s.
Meanwhile Paul McShane – Huddlestone’s predecessor – is now just a coach after retiring from playing in 2022.
Thus, the Red Devils have sought out a new person for the job and have opted to sign former academy player Tommy Rowe.
Rowe was on United’s books as a teenager before leaving in 2003 to join Stockport County, where he made his senior debut four years later.
Man United have confirmed the appointment of Tommy Rowe (middle) as U21 player-coach
Rowe spent time in United’s academy before leaving and embarking on his professional career
He went on to make over 500 career appearances for the likes of Peterborough, Wolves and Bristol City.
A statement on the club website confirmed: ‘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.
‘Rowe will at times play in fixtures for United’s U21s as one of five permitted over-age outfield players in Premier League 2 and the EFL Trophy’.
The news comes after Huddlestone’s departure, having spent two years in the role with the Red Devils.
In February Huddlestone started against Manchester City in the Premier League 2, playing the full 90 minutes as part of a side where only one of his teammates had even been born when he made his senior debut.
Rowe’s arrival comes shortly after Tom Huddlestone departed the club back in May
After Ethan Wheatley gave United the lead, Huddlestone rolled back the years to score a trademark thunderbolt from inside the box as United defeated their rivals 2-1.
In a post on social media, Huddlestone insisted seeing out his playing career while working as a youth team coach had been an ‘incredible’ experience.