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Manchester United have now decided to keep their recent trialist around by appointing him as their new player-coach role in the academy.
The role seems very similar to the one held by Tom Huddlestone between 2022 and 2024 when he retired from football to become the assistant manager at Wigan Athletic.
However, the initial player-coach in the academy was created in 2021 with Paul McShane. The Ireland international hung up his boots when Huddlestone stepped into the role, shifting role slightly to become the development coach with the Under-18s side. Following this McShane became the assistant manager of the Under-21s side before stepping up to be the manager of the youth team last summer.
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Now, it looks like recent trialist Tommy Rowe is ready to take on the mantle next.
The 35-year-old recently took to the pitch in a trial against Chester FC back in July, with The Red Devils coming out on top with a 3-1 win. Seemingly impressed by his performance and presence on the pitch, United have deemed the trial a success.
Now Manchester Evening News has reported that the club have appointed Rowe to the position, with him being able to give on-field feedback to the players.
The midfielder was released from Doncaster back in July after three years with the club. Having played throughout League Two, League One and the Championship, Rowe brings a wealth of experience to the role with 659 games under his belt, grabbing 92 goals and 61 assists.
Initially the player-coach role was really questioned as to it’s ability to bring value to the youth players in the academy. However, the role has now been mirrored in other Premier League academies with rivals Liverpool signing former player Jay Spearing to take on a similar responsibility.
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