Manchester United did bring a defender into Old Trafford last week. It wasn’t Raphael Varane, it was Paul McShane.
McShane came through United’s academy under Sir Alex Ferguson and while he did not make the first team, he has gone onto have a solid career.
United have appointed McShane as a player/coach, describing him as an ‘innovative coaching appointment’.
Describing his role, the club explained: “The experienced defender and A-licence coach will combine his talents to provide a different perspective by coaching from within sessions and from an on-pitch perspective in fixtures when deemed appropriate.
“McShane will also drive daily training standards from within sessions, providing high-level competition for the Academy’s talented forward players and giving various development opportunities to his fellow defenders.”
McShane will be eligible to play for the under-23s if required. But his principle work will be coaching from under-16 through to the under-23s.
Reaction
McShane sent a message out on social media expressing his excitement at the new role.
The move was praised by former Everton footballer Kevin Kilbane on social media. He wrote: “What a great move!! @ManUtd way ahead of their time with this appointment. Congratulations to @pmacca15 who has a great mindset and looks perfect for this role. A brilliant future coach no doubt!!”
Former United trainee Joe Thompson, who was in the academy with McShane and played with him at the end with Rochdale too, also had positive comments.
Thompson said: “How do we bridge the gap, to better bring academy players into first team environments? Truly believe this is the way forward! Integrate a model pro, who can still connect with the younger ones. Guide, mentor and coach from within.”
New United head of academy development Justin Cochrane tweeted: “I’m so happy Paul has joined, it’s a unique role but one that can supports the development of a lot of players. Paul has a depth of experience, he’ll support our defenders and provide a challenge for the attacking boys. Having an experienced leader in training can only help.”
McShane follows former Irish teammate Gary Dicker, who has also taken up a player/coach role with Brighton and Hove Albion.
Who will benefit most from McShane appointment?
McShane has played for nine different clubs in his career since leaving United, including West Brom and Sunderland and he has also played international football for Republic of Ireland, winning more than 30 caps.
This is a good chance for United’s young players to work alongside him on a regular basis to sharpen up.
Joe Hugill will benefit from getting to go up against McShane in one on one drills. Hugill is a gangly figure who needs to bulk up and facing McShane will be a test of how it is working. Going up against a Football League standard defender will be a good way for the 17-yea-old striker to improve.
Charlie McNeill is another talented young striker who netted 25 goals for United’s under-18 teams last season. He has to show he can step up to the under-23s and beyond. Getting a chance to train with McShane will help McNeill understand the level of player he will come up against if he is sent out on loan to the Football League in the future as part of his development.
Bjorn Hardley is the centre-back who may be best placed to learn first hand from McShane. Will Fish has just gone out on loan to Stockport, while Teden Mengi and Di’Shon Bernard are both likely to go out on loan before the end of the transfer window. Hardley impressed for the under-18s last season and also featured for the 23s. McShane will be able to teach him a few tricks of the trade.
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