Manchester United Under-21s player-coach Tom Huddlestone has unpacked an “eye-opening” debut season in his role at Carrington.

The 36-year-old was taken in by the Reds in September to fill the hole left by the retiring Paul McShane. The four-time England international has featured for the team 15 times this term, grabbing three assists, although his main focus is mentoring the next wave of United talent.

Huddlestone described this year as a ‘transitional’ season as he eyes a route into a fully-fledged coaching career. Taking to Instagram to unpack the last seven months, he wrote: “What a great learning experience this season has been.

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“After 18 seasons solely playing, it has been eye-opening to see all the effort and preparation which goes on behind the scenes for each session and games. Unbelievable set of staff who have made my ‘transition’ season very enjoyable and straightforward.”

United’s under-21s finished ninth in Premier League 2 North and made it through to the third round of the EFL Trophy. Their defence of the FA Youth Cup ended with a 1-0 loss to Stoke in January.

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A number of academy accolades were handed out during United’s end-of-season awards ceremony this week. Dan Gore was bestowed the Denzil Haroun Reserve-Team Player of the Year as Kobbie Mainoo - who made his senior debut in January - was handed the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year for 2022/23.

“They did well [in senior training],” first-team boss Erik ten Hag said of the pair. ”They deserved it and that is always what has to be the case.

“Like Alejandro Garnacho, [who won the Jimmy Murphy award] last season, you see the path is open but they have to deserve their position.

“I hope this trophy will motivate them and stimulate them to bring more because that is necessary if you want to get a place in the first team, the first squad, of this club.”

  • A Manchester Evening News special souvenir edition - Fergie's First - charts United's 1992/93 title-winning campaign and you can get your hands on one here

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