Man Utd re-sign midfielder more than two decades after he first left club

A former Manchester United academy has made a shock return to the club more than 20 years after leaving.

Tommy Rowe played at United as a teenager but left in 2003 to begin a storied career throughout the EFL.

After leaving United, Rowe joined Stockport County, making his senior debut in 2007, four years after joining the club.

But now, 21 years after leaving the Red Devils, Rowe has returned to Manchester, signing a new contract with United.

In June, the 35-year-old played for United's under-21 side during a pre-season trial as up to five over-age players are permitted to play for U21 teams in Premier League 2 and EFL Trophy matches.

Rowe impressed in the trial and went on to player the full 90 minutes of United's Premier League 2 matches against Arsenal, Stoke and Blackburn.

Following the matches, it was officially announced by the club that Rowe would be joining as a player-coach.

"The experienced midfielder will create various unique development opportunities for United’s Academy players by coaching from within training sessions and driving daily standards on and off the pitch," said the club after confirming the signing.

Rowe replaces Tom Huddlestone, who left the role last season to pursue a full-time coaching job with Wigan Athletic, and Paul McShane, who will stay with the club as coach having retired from playing in 2022.

Before returning to United, the midfielder made more than 500 appearances across the EFL, including in the Championship for Peterborough, Wolves and Bristol City, with his previous club being Doncaster Rovers.

Tommy Rowe re-signed with Manchester United after a successful trial with the Under 21s.(Image: Manchester United)

His introduction to the U21 side will be a welcome addition after a number of the team's top talents secured loans away from the team.

One of the most notable departures was 19-year-old Sonny Aljofree who will play the 2024/25 season for League Two side Accrington Stanley after signing a contract extension with United.

Speaking on the Accrington Stanley website, the centre-back said. "I have been at Manchester United for the best part of my life, 13 years, that's all I have known, and it's a good time for me now to step out of my comfort zone, and try and get some appearances in the league."