United make surprise signing of Tom Huddlestone

Manchester United has made the surprise signing of midfielder Tom Huddlestone in a player/coach capacity - continuing a positive new approach of signing experienced players to largely play alongside and train the Academy team.

Huddlestone has joined the Red Devils on a free transfer after being released by Hull City.

The 35-year-old, capped four times for England, has had a busy playing career - headlined by two stints at Derby County, two spells with Hull City and an eight-year spell at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Nottingham-born man has made 581 career appearances to date, including 209 for Spurs; where he was a regular between 2005 and 2013.

However, as romantic as the idea sounds, it seems very unlikely Huddlestone will appear for the United's first-team - instead taking up a role previously held by Paul McShane, where he will combine a coaching role for the Academy with playing duties; adding some on-pitch experince alongside the club's fledglings.

The role could see Huddlestone play for United in the Football League Trophy against league teams - a tournament in which the club's Under-21s now, controversially, compete in. Last season, McShane played against Bradford City and Sunderland in the competition.

Nick Cox, head of the Manchester United's Academy, told ManUtd.com: “Tom is a superb candidate to take on this important role. Having played at the highest level during his outstanding career and already displayed excellent capabilities as a coach, his presence will benefit our players immeasurably."

Manchester United's Under-21 side currently compete in the top division of Premier League 2, and play their home games at Leigh Sports Village. They're managed by former player, 58-year-old Mark Dempsey.

The age limit for players has been loweredback to 21 for the 2022/23 season; having increased to 23 between 2016/17 and 2021/22. To aid transition teams can field up to five over-age outfield players (up from four) - which will include Huddlestone, in addition to one over-age goalkeeper.

The trend of adding an experienced name to Academy squads in a combined player and coaching role is being adopted elsewhere in the Premier League. Fierce rivals Liverpool have recently added former midfielder Jay Spearing to their squad, following his departure from Tranmere Rovers. He previously left the club in 2013.