Justin Cochrane, England’s Under-17s head coach, has joined Manchester United as the academy's head of player development and coaching.

Cochrane is highly regarded within the Football Association after three years working in England's youth set-up, with Gareth Southgate describing him as "excellent young coach".


Justin Cochrane: Manchester United appoint highly-rated England youth coach
England Under-17s head coach will become United academy’s head of player development

Justin Cochrane, England’s Under-17s head coach, has joined Manchester United as the academy's head of player development and coaching.

Cochrane is highly regarded within the Football Association after three years working in England's youth set-up, with Gareth Southgate describing him as "excellent young coach".


The 39-year-old had been tipped to replace Aidy Boothroyd as England's Under-21s head coach but will instead return to club football with United, having previously forged his reputation at Tottenham Hotspur.

Cochrane will work in conjunction with Under-23s manager Neil Wood and his Under-18s counterpart Neil Ryan to maintain a consistent coaching style of play throughout United's youth ranks.


“Joining such a world-renowned academy system is an extremely proud moment and I cannot wait to get started in this new and exciting role,” he said upon the announcement. “From the first conversations, I could see the depth of top-level coaching talent that is already in place at the club.

His appointment is the latest move in a significant restructing behind the scenes at Old Trafford.

John Murtough and Darren Fletcher were promoted to new roles as football director and technical director respectively in March, while head of first team development Nicky Butt left the club.

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/justin-cochrane-man-utd-news-b1861670.html