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Manchester United have finally appointed Tommy Rowe in the capacity of academy player-coach after he impressed during trials.
In July, a report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United were considering bringing in Rowe as a replacement for Tom Huddlestone.
Huddlestone left United this summer after two years as player-coach.
The Yorkshire Post now confirm that Rowe has been appointed by United. This information has also been pointed out by The Manchester Evening News.
In this hybrid role, Rowe will help coach the U21s while also providing on-field support and instructions to United’s youngsters.
U21s teams are of course allowed up to five over-age players in Premier League 2 and EFL Trophy matches.
According to MEN, “Rowe has impressed staff at United since coming into Carrington and a combination of his character, knowledge of the game and fitness levels have been key in him landing the role.”
“Rowe will help academy players via coaching and driving standards on and off the pitch. He has been registered as a player in the U21 squad and will be solely be available to play for that group.”
He was released from Doncaster Rovers in June after his second stint with the South Yorkshire outfit.
The 35-year-old was on United’s books as a teenager before he left to join Stockport County.
He also lined up for Bristol City, Wolves and Peterborough at various points in his career which saw him make over 600 professional appearances.
United first introduced the player-coach role for their academy in 2021, with Paul McShane taking up the position. McShane has since moved into full-time coaching in the academy, where he works with the U16s.
Huddlestone then replaced McShane.
The availability of a player-coach role has produced fantastic results, prompting other clubs like Liverpool to adopt the practice.
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