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A Manchester United XI side faced off against Chester FC in a pre-season friendly last night with the United starting XI featuring an unexpected new name.
Former Doncaster Rovers player Tommy Rowe appeared for the United XI, side which was made up of a mix of u21s and u18s.
The 35 year old Wythenshawe native donned the red of United for the first time in over 20 years, having previously been a part of the United academy before departing to Stockport County at 15.
Twenty years on, The Manchester Evening News reported that “Manchester United are considering the appointment of Tommy Rowe as a player-coach in the academy.”
The position would be a continuance of the one held by Tom Huddlestone for the past two seasons before his departure from United this summer.
The innovative player-coach role for United’s u21s was first introduced in 2021 when another United academy graduate, Paul McShane, returned to the club to help guide the u21s players on the pitch.
McShane has since moved into a full time coaching role in the academy where he works with the u15s.
Thrilled with the results the role has produced in the last three years, United are believed to be keen to bring in another suitable candidate for the position.
A former United academy player nearing the end of his career and looking to move into coaching, having been released at the end of his contract with Doncaster Rovers, Rowe looks to fit the bill perfectly.
With over 600 Football League appearances to his name, Rowe will bring a wealth of knowledge to share with United’s young starlets.
A versatile player, Rowe played in nearly every position during his long career but mainly featured on the left either on the wing or at left back but also has extensive experience in a central midfield role as well.
The variety of experience will allow Rowe to guide United’s young players all over the pitch with his first hand experience.
With the ever changing squad makeup that Travis Binnion has to deal with at u21s level, a versatile experienced head in Rowe could prove vital as cog to slot in where needed depending on the availability of players.
The role has since been adapted by other clubs as well, with Liverpool bringing back Jay Spearing as a player-coach for their u21s.
The United XI side defeated Chester FC 3-1 on the night, suggesting Rowe may have already made a positive impact.
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