Man United fans joke at their failings in front of goal as Tom Huddlestone makes eye-catching cameo
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‘Terrifying that Tom Huddlestone is our most creative midfielder’: Man United fans mock their own mistakes in front of goal as the 35-year-old makes a striking cameo for their U21s in Papa John’s Trophy with assist against Fleetwood
- Tom Huddlestone is a player-coach for Manchester United under-21 side
- The 35-year-old midfielder provided an assist in their 2-2 draw with Fleetwood
- Fans were quick to mock United and the seniors’ lack of creativity
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Tom Huddlestone rolled back the years on Tuesday night when he provided an injury time assist for Manchester United under-21 against Fleetwood in the EFL Trophy.
The midfielder, who has made more than 550 appearances in a 19-year career, including time at Tottenham and two spells at Derby County and Hull City, joined United in the summer as a player-coach for the under-21 side.
The move has been made so that Huddlestone can use his vast experience to help United’s youngsters develop into first-team players.
United used a similar initiative last season when they brought in defender Paul McShane, who has since been promoted to full-time player development stage coach.
Tom Huddlestone joined Manchester United under-21 as a player-coach this summer
The midfielder (L) enjoyed a successful playing career at clubs such as Tottenham and Hull
Liverpool have taken similar steps this season by bringing Jay Spearing back to work with their young reserves. McShane knew Huddlestone from their time together at Hull and knew he had a desire to become a coach.
The involvement of former England international Huddlestone is seen as essential by academy manager Nick Cox, who wants the younger United stars to draw on the midfielder’s experience as they take their next steps.
And on Tuesday’s game against Fleetwood, Huddlestone was introduced midway through the second half, before assisting Shola Shoretire’s injury time equalizing goal in a 2-2 draw.
Huddlestone provided a great assist for Shola Shoretire in United’s 2-2 draw against Fleetwood
It was the midfielder’s third appearance in the EFL Trophy this season, with Huddlestone also coming off the bench in 2-1 wins over Carlisle United and Barrow as the Red Devils led their group to advance to the knockout stages.
Fans were soon amazed at Huddlestone’s impact and praised his post-match quality.
One said: ‘Shola Shoretire is a small class player, I’ve been saying it for a while, what a finish that was and an assist from Tom Huddlestone.’
Fans were quick to praise Huddlestone, but also mock United’s lack of creativity elsewhere
Another added: ‘Tom Huddlestone is really on the ball for the 21s lmoooooooo.’
Other fans were quick to joke about the impact of a 35-year-old playing for the Under-21 and the lack of creativity in United’s senior squad.
One user joked: ‘Should Tom Huddlestone get a first-team spot soon? Fantastic talent.’
Another fan joked, ‘Viva Tom Huddlestone. A bright future awaits. Why hasn’t ETH seen this yet?’
Another explained: ‘Come for the great finish… …keep laughing at the size difference between Tom Huddlestone and the rest.’
A fourth user said: ‘Terrifying that Tom Huddlestone is our most creative midfielder #MUFC.’
