News about Paul McShane

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.

Tom Huddlestone has announced he has left Manchester United after two years with the club's under-21 side. The former Tottenham midfielder arrived at Old Trafford in 2022 to serve in a player-coach for United's youth side, replacing his former Hull teammate Paul McShane in the role. The 37-year did not make a senior appearance during his time at United, but has deputised on a number of occasions for Travis Binnion's U21's this season.

Erik ten Hag has taken over Manchester United's reserve team as he looks to carry on the club's proud tradition of producing top-class talent. During discussions that culminated in him taking over the under-23 team at Old Trafford, the Dutch coach maintained a sense of control over the under-23 side, in the same way he helped keep the academy moving to first-team open at former club Ajax. Ten Hag has been closely with under-23 boss Mark Dempsey and mentor Paul McShane, but he has the final say on team pick, game time, and even player position.

On Tuesday night, Tom Huddlestone stepped back in time as he laid down an injury time assist for Manchester United under 21s against Fleetwood in the EFL Trophy. In the summer, the midfielder, who played for more than 550 appearances in a 19-year playing career that included time at Tottenham Hotspur and two spells each at Derby County and Hull City, joined United as a player-coach for the under-21 team. The move was made in order that Huddlestone's vast experience would assist United's youngsters as they look to develop into first-team players. United used a similar strategy last season when they brought in defender Paul McShane, who has since been promoted to full-time player development coach.