MANCHESTER UNITED fans are convinced they’ve found their new “starboy”… after Tom Huddlestone scored the winner in the Under-21s derby vs Man City.
The former Tottenham and England star, 37, joined the Red Devils in the summer of 2022.
He has since worked as a player-coach within United’s Under-21s set-up, a role previously held by Paul McShane.
Since joining the Red Devils’ academy, Huddlestone hasn’t always been a regular starter.
But he has been picked by boss Travis Binnion for their last four games, and made a key contribution on Monday.
It was 18-year-old Ethan Wheatley, who wasn’t even born when Huddlestone made his Spurs debut in 2005, who put United 1-0 up on 35 minutes.
Huddlestone then made it two in the 54th minute, putting his side into a commanding position.
The goal turned out to be key, with Stephen Mfuni reducing City’s arrears shortly after.
After the match finished 2-1 to United, fans couldn’t believe that Huddlestone had been in action.
One asked: “isn’t he like 40?”
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While a second joked: “Starboy.”
A City fan moaned: “Why is 37 year old Tom Huddlestone bagging in this game? He’s 37 years old. Stephen Mfuni at right back for City only turned 16 last week.”
But a further United fan quipped: “Starboy. Carrington has done it again with this Tom Huddlestone guy.”
And another added: “Tom Huddlestone is a player I think has very good potential and could be in line for a senior call up.”
Huddlestone enjoyed a decorated career at the top level, earning four England caps and playing 209 times for Tottenham.
He made a total of 242 Premier League appearances, having also represented Hull, Derby and Wolves.
So far he has appeared 22 times for United’s Under-21s, ahead of a potential full-time move into coaching.