When Tom Huddlestone was released by Hull City at the end of last season he may well have been wondering what was next on the agenda.
At the age of 35, at best he could have perhaps been expecting the offer of a one-year deal at a Championship club to pop up in his email inbox.
What he could not have surely envisaged was a move to Manchester United. But that looks like happening, after reports claimed United want Huddlestone to fill a 'hybrid role'.
Admittedly, barring a freakish amount of injuries to first team stars, Huddlestone will not be making an appearance for Erik ten Hag's side. Instead, he will turn out for the Red Devils' under-23s as one of their over-age players.
He will take on the same role that Paul McShane had last season, featuring as one of five over-23 players permitted in the Premier League 2 competition. McShane returned to United, where he played between 2004 and 2006, last summer. After featuring in under-23 games he has since retired from playing and has made the step up into a Professional Development Phase coaching role.
Should Huddlestone, who was a teammate of McShane's at Hull, replace him then he would become the latest high-profile, over-age player to take up such a position at Premier League clubs. Last year Southampton signed Olly Lancashire, 32, after his release by Crewe Alexandra. Prior to that Gary Dicker took up a similar role at Brighton and Jay Spearing has this summer made the return to Liverpool, nine years after leaving Anfield.
The general role these players play is providing a mentor to younger stars, not only in games but during training every day.
Speaking about his return to Southampton, 11 years after leaving and going on to play in the EFL with the likes of Rochdale and Swindon, Lancashire said: "My job is to set the standard. I have to show them the day-to-day behaviour that is expected of a footballer, whether you’re in a Premier League first team or in League Two.
"It’s helping to create an environment around them so there are no surprises, drilling down into these young lads what it takes to have a career in the game. Ultimately my job is to teach young players what challenges they are likely to face and what is needed beyond talent to become a successful footballer."
Spearing, speaking to the Athletic about his own role with Liverpool, said: "If any of the boys need any advice on anything, I’m an open book for them to have a chat. It’s my job to guide them and help them progress to the first team."
Earlier this summer, United's head of academy Nick Cox had insisted that the changes United are making will allow them to improve at that level.
“We are really pleased to confirm the new coaching structure for the Professional Development Phase. The increase in flexibility reflects our bespoke approach to player development, focusing on supporting individuals to reach their potential by working with each specialist coach at the optimal time," he said in June.
“The changes implement an ideal blend of long-standing club personnel and outstanding external appointments as we continue to appoint best-in-class staff throughout our world-leading youth development system.”
