Tom Huddlestone, 35, plays for Man Utd U21s as player-coach in win over Carlisle and fans are baffled

TOM HUDDLESTONE came off the bench for Manchester United U21s last night – aged 35.

The Red Devils snapped up the former Tottenham midfielder on a free transfer earlier this month.

He has taken up a player-coach role with the United Academy.

And he came off the bench last night for the U21s in a 2-1 win over Carlisle in the EFL Trophy.

Competition rules allow two players over the age of 21 who made 40 or more senior appearances before 2019-20 to play.

Huddlestone also came off the bench for the U21s last week in the 2-2 drae with Fulham in the Premier League 2.

In that competitions clubs are permitted to use five over-age outfield players.

And Huddlestone appears to be relishing the player part of his new role.

The four-cap England international racked up 582 senior appearances for the likes of Spurs, Derby and Hull before joining United.

But fans have been left baffled by his involvement in the EFL Trophy.

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One wrote: “It’s an absolute joke and an insult to EFL clubs in my opinion.”

Another said: “Ridiculous.”

And a third joked about Huddlestone: “Future under 21 star.”

Although others reckoned the chance to play against the Premier League veteran will serve as valuable experience to Academy sides.

One said: “Great experience for the young lads to play against him.”

Writing on Twitter after joining United earlier this month, Huddlestone said: “Over the moon to announce I have been given the opportunity at this amazing football club to help coach and develop the next generation of talent coming through the system.

“Grateful and honoured, now time to give back to the younger generation #MUFC.”

Huddlestone succeeds Paul McShane, 36, who previously held the player-coach role with United’s Academy.