Manchester United have re-signed academy defender Paul McShane in a player-coach capacity for their Under-23s.
McShane, 35, left Rochdale at the end of last season and has joined Neil Wood's coaching set-up as one of three registered over-age players.
The former Republic of Ireland international has obtained his A-licence badge and has been coaching the Under-16s recently. United intend for him to provide seasoned competition for their teenage strikers in training and believe McShane's on-pitch coaching perspective is invaluable for the development of their youngsters.
McShane told the club website: “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.
“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 was a member of United's 2003 FA Youth Cup-winning side but never made a competitive appearance for the club. McShane did play for the first-team on the 2004 pre-season tour of the United States.
McShane played for Sunderland and Hull in the Premier League and West Brom, Barnsley, Reading, Crystal Palace, and Rochdale in the Football League.
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