Former Manchester United Under-23s manager Neil Wood has made an impressive start to life as Salford City manager.
The 39-year-old, who began his playing career with the Red Devils but never made a first team appearance, took over as manager of Salford in May.
Taking the reins with the Ammies meant Wood’s eight-year affiliation coaching Manchester United’s academy sides had come to an end.
Since the summer of 2019, Wood had been in charge of United’s Under-23 side and he was also the manager of the UEFA Youth League side that reached last season’s last-16, before being beaten by Borussia Dortmund on penalties.
Having been appointed by the Class of 92 who own Salford City, Wood has hit the ground running at The Peninsula Stadium.
From eight League Two matches, Salford sit fourth in the table with 17 points and are currently one point off the automatic promotion places.
Entering their fourth consecutive campaign in the fourth tier of English football, the Class of 92 will no doubt be hoping that Wood is the man that can fire them up to League One.
Neil Wood makes impressive start to life as Salford City manager
Using his connections at Manchester United, Wood signed two-time Northern Ireland international Ethan Galbraith on a season-long loan from the Reds.
Galbraith played under Wood during their time together in United’s Under-23s side.
The 21-year-old made his first start for the Ammies in last night’s 1-0 win away to Harrogate.
It was Galbraith’s second appearance for Salford following his loan move on deadline day and he was brought off just after the hour mark.
Speaking after Galbraith’s first start for Salford, Wood praised the midfielder’s qualities and expected him to get stronger the more minutes he gets under the belt.
Wood said: “It’s his first 90 minutes in a long time and we knew his form was going to dip at some point in the game.
“We had both Elliot [Watt] and Ethan who are comfortable on the ball, can play passes through the lines and can also switch the play with one pass, and it becomes really dangerous.”
Wood will be hoping to continue his positive start when Salford host Tranmere Rovers on Saturday.
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