sport news Paul McShane returns to after 15 years to work with under-23 ...

sport news Paul McShane returns to after 15 years to work with under-23 ...
sport news Paul McShane returns to Manchester United after 15 years to work with under-23 ...

Veteran defender Paul McShane is making a surprise return to Manchester United, 15 years after leaving the club.

The 35-year-old centre-back, who won the 2003 FA Youth Cup with United, is a free agent after his contract ended at League Two Rochdale last month and he is returning to Old Trafford to help out with the club's U23 squad, as a 'playing coach' and mentor.

McShane left United for West Brom in 2006 as part of a deal that saw Tomasz Kuszczak go the other way. He has gone on to play for nine different clubs and amassed 400 appearances including an FA Cup final with Hull City.  

Paul McShane, who most recently played for Rochdale, is returning to Manchester United after 15 years to work with the club's under-23 squad

Paul McShane, who most recently played for Rochdale, is returning to Manchester United after 15 years to work with the club's under-23 squad

The Irish defender (right) plays for United in a pre-season tour match against Celtic in 2004

The Irish defender (right) plays for United in a pre-season tour match against Celtic in 2004

United want to tap into that experience, utilising the Republic of Ireland international to educate and toughen up their youngsters ahead of making the next step up.

He will continue to play in some games, solely representing United's U23s as one of three permitted over-age outfield players in Premier League Two, and will be involved in coaching and mentoring.

United view the role as an innovative step with McShane not only passing on what he has learned off the pitch but effectively making the younger stars more streetwise, offering a more physical challenge in training for the forwards and giving first hand advice.

McShane has talked openly about taking on board the 'tough love' he endured playing alongside former United captain Roy Keane when he first broke into their first team squad and was quick to seize the opportunity to take his coaching badges while still a young professional.

Now United want him to apply his knowledge to their up and coming players to help underline the standards and work ethic required on and off the pitch plus the potential pitfalls.

A club statement said: 'Manchester United are delighted to announce another innovative coaching appointment. Paul McShane re-joins the academy as playing coach having left United as graduate in 2006.

'The experienced defender and A-licence coach will combine his talents to provide a different coaching perspective by coaching from within sessions and from an on-pitch perspective in fixtures when deemed appropriate. 

'McShane will also drive daily training standards from within sessions, providing high-level competition for the academy's talented forward players and giving various development opportunities to his fellow defenders.

'The defender, who has recently spent time coaching United's U16s, will work as a coach across the U15s to U23s teams.' 

McShane made 33 appearances for the Republic of Ireland during his playing career

McShane made 33 appearances for the Republic of Ireland during his playing career

Nick Cox, Manchester United Head of Academy, said: 'Across the Academy

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