Paul McShane returns to Manchester United in player/coach role

This news almost slipped under the radar.

Paul McShane is back at Manchester United in a player/coach role with the clubs U23s.

McShane has previously coached at U16 level with United but returns to the place he left 15-years-ago in a formal role which will involve coaching throughout the Academy – from U15 to U23 level.

On top of that, the Irish defender will be registered as one of the 3 permitted overage players in the U23s side when deemed appropriate. And this should be enough to put to bed any claims about this being the board’s way to save money on a new centre-back.

McShane has already secured his Uefa ‘A’ badges and this is easily considered his biggest step into coaching yet.

“I am extremely pleased to be rejoining a club that means so much to me. I have been working on my coaching badges for several years and the opportunity to work with young players, whilst also playing in certain games, is the perfect role”, said McShane, as per ManUtd.com.

“I have developed a great deal of knowledge over my career and I look forward to mentoring and supporting the next generation of Academy graduates by passing on all of my experience.

“It feels very special to be back to where I began my professional career and I can’t wait to get started in supporting these talented players to reach their immense potential.”

McShane isn’t the only former youth team graduate to return to the club this summer, with Tom Heaton joining on a Bosman after his Aston Villa contract expired. It is thought that he plans to compete for places with either Dean Henderson or David de Gea (even both) but that would be some ask.

We look forward to seeing what McShane can bring to the young defenders at the club.