Ryan Tunnicliffe came through the youth ranks at Manchester United before going on to play for an array of clubs. At the age of 33, he returns to where it all started.
Those of you who remember watching Manchester United win the FA Youth Cup in 2011 will remember Ryan Tunnicliffe starring in a side that consisted of Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Ravel Morrison.
Tunnicliffe, who was at United between 2009 and 2014, proved an asset at Fulham, Millwall, Luton and Portsmouth. However, the same cannot be said about his time in Australia at Adelaide United.
After leaving Adelaide United in 2025, Tunnicliffe has now announced his future.
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Ryan Tunnicliffe becomes Man Utd academy scout
Although Tunnicliffe never formally announced his retirement from football, his LinkedIn profile states he is a former professional footballer.
Tunnicliffe took to LinkedIn on Tuesday evening to announce his return to United as an Academy Scout.
“I’m delighted to share that I have returned to Manchester United as an Academy Scout,” Tunnicliffe wrote.
“It’s a privilege to be back at the club in a new role, helping to identify the next generation of talent.”
This is an exciting moment for Tunncliffe because it’s his first job away from playing football, even though it’s back where his professional career began.
United will give Tunncliffe the support to kick on and develop in his post-playing career.
It’s great to see a familiar face like Tunncliffe back at United, especially when he is someone youth players can take inspiration from, having won the FA Youth Cup in 2011.
He also spent enough time in the academy to know what it takes for players to reach the next level, even though he only made two first-team appearances for United.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Ryan Tunnicliffe announces his return to Manchester United as Academy Scout
- Tunncliffe left United in 2014, three years after winning the FA Youth Cup
- The midfielder earned two senior appearances for United
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Ryan Tunncliffe’s Man Utd debut
Tunncliffe made his senior debut for United in September, 2012.
The midfielder came on as a 77th-minute substitute to replace Marnick Vermijl in a 2-1 League Cup win over Newcastle at Old Trafford.
Tunncliffe’s appearance led to his father, Mick Tunncliffe, winning a £10,000 payout from a bet he placed 10 years prior that his son would one day play become an academy graduate.
A month later, Tunncliffe earned his second and final senior appearance for United.
It was another League Cup tie, but Chelsea won it 5-4 after extra time.
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