- Tom Huddlestone leaves Manchester United after two seasons with the U21s
- A 37-year-old man implored players to take on the role of player-coach at the end of their careers
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Tom Huddlestone has announced that he is leaving Manchester United after spending two years with the club’s under-21 team.
The 37-year-old arrived at Old Trafford in 2022 to work as player-coach of United’s youth team, replacing his former Hull teammate Paul McShane in the role.
The former Tottenham midfielder did not make any senior appearances during his time at United but has come on several occasions for Travis Binnion’s U21s this season.
In February, Huddlestone started against Manchester City in Premier League 2, playing the full 90 minutes as part of a team in which only one of his teammates had been born when he made his senior debut.
After Ethan Wheatley gave United the lead, Huddlestone turned back time to score a trademark thunderbolt from inside the area as United defeated their rivals 2-1.
Tom Huddlestone has announced his departure from Man United after two seasons at the Club
In a social media post, Huddlestone urged players to take on roles at the end of their careers.
In a social media post, Huddlestone insisted that watching his playing career while working as a youth team coach had been an “amazing” experience.
“Today is my last day at this incredible football club.” Huddlestone wrote in instagram.
“Over the past two seasons, I have experienced remarkable growth and invaluable learning, both on and off the court.
‘Every day I have had the privilege of learning from incredible people and gaining insight into all aspects of player development and well-being. Walking into an office environment for the first time was daunting, but from day one I was made to feel welcome and at ease. I am and will be forever grateful for the smooth transition.
‘For any senior professional considering a career in coaching, I would highly recommend taking on the role of ‘playing coach’ for a season or two towards the end of your playing career.
‘This experience has been eye-opening and has revealed the dedication that goes into planning, executing and analyzing each training session, as well as the careful preparation of the game schedule.
“These efforts are often taken for granted as a player, so to witness and participate in this side of the game has been truly extraordinary.”
‘I wish the club much success in the future. A special thank you to everyone at the academy, both players and staff, especially Trau, Demps, Nick and Macca, for giving me this incredible opportunity.
The 37-year-old was player-coach of the under-21 team under youth team boss Trevor Binnion (left)
Huddlestone spent eight years at Tottenham and was part of the team that won the League Cup in 2008.
‘Good luck in the future #MUFC’.
Beginning his career at Derby, Huddlestone made his senior debut in 2003 at the age of 16 and went on to make 95 appearances in all competitions for the Rams before joining Spurs in 2005.
Huddlestone spent eight years in north London and was part of the team that lifted the League Cup in 2008 and also won four England caps.
After leaving Spurs, Huddlestone enjoyed two spells with Hull City and a return to Derby before joining United.
