by Having played at the highest level throughout his career – as well as displaying impressive coaching skills – Huddlestone’s presence will no doubt benefit United’s youth team players in the coming months.
Huddlestone not only coaches in training but also leads the way in U21 matches.
Over the moon to announce that I have been given the opportunity at this amazing football club to help coach and develop the next generation of talent coming through the system. Grateful and honored, now it’s time to give back to the new generation #MUFC pic.twitter.com/ldOTZMK20u
— Tom Huddlestone (@Huddz8) August 3, 2022
On Tuesday night, for example, the experienced midfielder made a huge difference when he came on in the second half of their EFL Cup clash with League Two side Barrow.
With the game tied at 1-1, a delighted Huddlestone picked out highly-rated Argentina U20 international Alejandro Garnazzo with a superb ping on the wing of the ring.
Garnacho beat Barrow keeper Scott Moloney with a fine finish to win the game.
Most assists for United at Under-21 level this season so far… Tom Huddlestone with two 😐
— Dan Coombs (@DanCFootball) October 4, 2022
Huddlestone’s efforts for the U21 side have certainly got people talking on social media. One fan commented: “What a ball for Garnazzo, this Huddlestone kid looks the job, hopefully he sees some first team minutes soon!”
Another wrote: “Can Huddlestone play for the first team?” while a third said: “Tom Huddlestone assist? Maybe found our midfielder.”
A fourth commented: “If you don’t understand Tom Huddlestone’s purpose then you don’t understand youth development imo! Goldust for these young people! Btw what a technician.”
Assist Tom Huddlestone? Maybe we’ve found our middle ground
— 9. (@FxIseNine) October 4, 2022
Last month, Huddlestone opened up about his surprise move to Old Trafford.
“It was completely accidental to be fair,” he said Football AM. “Paul McShane, who I played with at Hull, did the role last year before he retired.
“Then he put my name forward and it was in the middle of preparation when I got the phone call (offering me the job).”
Huddlestone added: “The first week (in the job) the first team was away so there was no eye on me or that kind of pressure. It’s a big old building so I was saying to Mack (McShane) ‘I’ll just go’ to shadow you. the first week.”
“But the five or six coaches I work with every day are top notch and very helpful to me, coming from that side in a kind of hybrid role.
“When you’re on the pitch, you’re expected to give some information, so it’s really like that. The hardest part is the mindset, to remember you’re not fighting to stay in the team.
“You want to do as well as you can but you know your main job is to try to develop the players around you rather than trying to stay in the team for the next game.”
