Manchester United are plotting a shock transfer for former Hull City midfielder Tom Huddlestone who was released by the Championship club last season. The 35-year-old is now in talks with a surprise move to United according to The Telegraph. Huddlestone has over 580 senior games under his belt across spells with Tottenham Hotspur, Derby County, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Hull City.
However, the report has sent Manchester United fans into a panic mode thinking of Huddlestone as Frenkie de Jong’s replacement. But the Red Devils have other plans for Huddlestone, much to the relief of their fans. United plan to sign the midfielder for their Under-21 set-up in a player-coach role.
Huddlestone viewed in an experienced player-coach role by Manchester United
Huddlestone while racking up 580 senior appearances has plied his trade across 242 Premier League games with Tottenham and Hull. The midfielder had an impressive stint at Spurs, scoring 16 goals and 31 assists in 207 outings. The United hierarchy feels Huddlestone will bring the much needed experience both on and off the pitch if signed in a player-coach role.
The veteran midfielder’s role would quite be similar to that of one rested with former Man United player Paul McShane last season. McShane was appointed as the development coach by United after his retirement last year. Tom Huddlestone is expected to be snapped up for free as the Premier League giants have just recetly opened talks with him.
Huddlestone would become another addition to United’s staff after the club appointed Benni McCarthy as deputy to first-team coach Erik ten Hag. McCarthy will take up the role of attacking coach while with Ten Hag.
The former Blackburn striker will be now responsible to bring the best out of club’s forwards in Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial. However, there is still uncertainty over whether or not he will get to coach Cristiano Ronaldo who is desperate to leave the club.
The Portuguese though returned to action for Manchester United against Rayo Vallecano, he was taken-off at half-time after which he directly drove to his home. The striker was seen having a feud with Ten Hag on the sidelines in the first-half and further disappointed the manager by not waiting for the post-match briefing.