James Chester: Former Man United academy player returns to club | OneFootball

Former Manchester United youngster James Chester has returned to the club.

United career

He joined United as an eight year old and signed his first professional deal in 2007.

He made his debut for the senior team as a substitute against Derby County in a League Cup semi-final in 2009.

Chester had loan spells at Peterborough United, Plymouth Arygle and Carlisle United before finally being sold to Hull City in 2010.

His most famous act was scoring in the FA Cup final for the Tigers in 2014 but he would go on to lose the match 2-3.

The young defender would later play for Aston Villa in the Championship and later Stoke City.

The centre back also made 35 appearances for Wales and played every minute as they reached the semi-final of Euro 2016.

Return to the club

The defender spent last season at Salford City in League Two but could only manage to play in two games, sparking his retirement from football.

The Manchester Evening News have reported that Chester is taking his next career steps and “is gaining experience in coaching in the United’s academy.”

Former United coach Paul McShane invited Chester to come watch the academy train and he has been “invited to take his first steps in coaching by working with the Under-15s and Under-16 age groups.”

The role is a voluntary one and he is working three times a week with these age groups.

He is also preparing for his UEFA B Licence and will take full advantage of getting practical experience at one of the most famous youth set ups in the world.

This is not the first time that United have invited former players back as Phil Jones also enjoyed recent experience with the academy.

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