Manchester United explain decision to re-sign Paul McShane as player-coach

McShane came through the academy at Old Trafford but will now be a player-coach with the Under-23s squad this season

Manchester United have explained their decision to re-sign former academy product Paul McShane as a player/coach for the upcoming season.

McShane, 35, came through the Carrington academy as a youngster before having a successful career with the likes of Sunderland, Hull City and Reading over a 17-year spell.

But it was announced on Friday that he had re-joined Manchester United as a player-coach for the upcoming season as he works towards earning his coaching badges. But he will also be part of the setup as an overaged player to help fill in for the expected outgoing loan deals that will take place this summer.

Manchester United's head of academy Nick Cox spoke to the club website to explain the decision in more detail.

"Across the academy, we have always taken an innovative approach to ensure that we continue our proud tradition of producing world-class players capable of excelling in Manchester United’s first-team.

“This new role was carefully considered and adds yet another level of support for our players in helping them to play at the highest level possible.

“We believe that Paul is the perfect candidate. He arrives as an extremely highly recommended coach but also clearly still has a lot left to give on the pitch. This unique combination is invaluable for our Under-23s team and will further drive the professional standards of the group.

“As an academy graduate, who has had an outstanding career, Paul knows the club inside out and can pass on this wealth of knowledge every day to our young players.

“Paul will now form part of a team of dedicated experts once again bringing the best external coaching talent to complement our existing group.”

McShane will solely represent the Under-23s as a player and he will act as a coach for all age groups from Under-15s to Under-23 level.

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