Jaap Stam spotted with Manchester United

Jaap Stam made 78 appearances for Manchester United between 1998 and 2001, before leaving the club to join Lazio.

After playing for Lazio between 2001 and 2004, the central defender moved to AC Milan before moving to Ajax, where he retired.

Following retirement, Stam returned to Manchester United as a scout for the club with him mainly responsible for scouting inside South America.

He has also played in Soccer Aid multiple times for the World XI team, raising money for charity.

Alongside scouting and charity events, the 54-year-old also moved into managerial roles alongside coaching.

Beginning at PEC Zwolle, Stam subsequently had spells with Ajax, Reading, Feyenoord, FC Cincinnati, and DOS Kampen.

Zwolle also announced earlier this year that they had appointed the United legend to serve on their Foundation Board.

Now, with the new season about to start, Jaap Stam has been spotted with Manchester United’s Under-16s side who were recently undertaking a tour in Hong Kong.

Posting on Instagram, Stam published six photos documenting his time with the Under-16s and his time in Hong Kong.

The 54-year-old also captioned the post: “Great to be part of @manutd u16s tour in Hong Kong!

“Great to see the youngsters train and play! Together with @hkjc_community it’s a special event!

“Last but not least a big thank you to my fans who always turn up!”

Stam’s influence on and advice for the side could be important in the coming years as they each look to break through into Manchester United’s first-team.

With the new season beginning shortly, opportunities for each player could emerge throughout the campaign.

On a first-team level, pre-season has offered many of Manchester United’s youth academy graduates to shine including Harry Amass, Shea Lacey, and JJ Gabriel.

The Under-16s may be hoping that, in the coming years, they can replicate the success of those just ahead of them and construct their own journeys.