September 24th 2024.
According to reports, Michael Appleton, who previously played for Manchester United's youth team, has turned down an offer to return to Old Trafford as the club's new loans manager. The 48-year-old spent five years with United before joining Preston in a permanent transfer in 1997. He later entered into football management in 2011 and was most recently in charge of League One side Charlton Athletic before being sacked in January.
Appleton has had a successful career as a manager, having previously led Blackpool, Lincoln City, Oxford United, Blackburn Rovers, and Portsmouth. However, he is currently without a job and was recently offered the opportunity to become United's loans manager, overseeing the development of their young players who have been sent out on loan to other clubs. But, as per the Daily Mail, Appleton has declined the offer, leaving United in need of finding someone else for the role.
This news of Appleton's snub comes after two other former players, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake, returned to the club in coaching roles. Van Nistelrooy, who has paused his own managerial career to work under Erik ten Hag, is determined to help United return to their former glory. He expressed his excitement about the opportunity, saying, "It's 100% the right decision [to return]. I felt a strong feeling that I want to help build United – little by little – back to where we feel and know where the club should be."
The Dutchman also shared that he was previously on the managerial track, having managed PSV, but was in talks with other clubs before receiving a surprising phone call from ten Hag. "I never thought of it as a possibility," he admitted. "But, I immediately felt, 'wow'. I started to love the idea. Especially the big picture where it's a new start with the new ownership and leadership. A phase where you start to rebuild and be a part of it." Van Nistelrooy is eager to contribute to the club's success and hopes to see them reach their full potential soon.
In the meantime, United will have to continue their search for a new loans manager. This role is crucial in the development of young players, and Appleton's rejection means the club must find someone else who is equally capable and committed. With the return of former players like van Nistelrooy and Hake, it's clear that United is focused on bringing back their former glory. Fans can only hope that this new approach will lead to success in the near future.
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