are on the verge of signing free agent Tom Huddlestone as a player-coach for their Under-21 side, according to reports.
The ex-Tottenham midfielder has been out of contract since his previous deal with Championship side Hull City expired at the end of last season and is now on the verge of a surprise move to Old Trafford.
Huddlestone will not be part of the first-team squad and is being signed exclusively to help the club’s younger players.
It is the same role Paul McShane performed for the club last season, with the defender – also formerly of Hull – having since moved into a pure coaching position at United.
According to , academy head Nick Cox felt McShane’s role was invaluable and had been keen to bring in a new, experienced veteran to perform the same duties this season.
As well as working with the youth players during the week, McShane also offered in-game coaching during matches.
United felt he brought ‘major value’ to the youth team and their development and have been looking to bring in a replacement throughout the summer, finally landing on Huddlestone.
McShane only played five times for the Under-21 side last season and Huddlestone is expected to feature even less, with a greater focus on raising standards in training.
Huddlestone is keen to begin making the move from player to coach and the United gig will provide an excellent transition, while he will not be the only new addition to United’s development staff over the coming months.
The 35-year-old has plenty of Premier League experience, particularly with Tottenham and Hull – where he briefly played alongside United skipper Harry Maguire – while he also collected four caps for England.
Huddlestone’s imminent arrival is one of a number of new staffing additions at Old Trafford this summer, with manager Erik ten Hag keen to overhaul the club on and off the pitch.
In addition to assistants Steve McClaren and Mitchel van der Gaag, the Dutchman has also brought in former Porto and Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy as an attacking coach.
United have also raided Ajax yet again to sign performance analyst Kevin Keij, who was a crucial part of Ten Hag’s set-up in Amsterdam.
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