Manchester United have moved to sign one of their former academy players on a free transfer - some 21 years after he first left the club.

Tommy Rowe, who turns 36 on September 24, has signed as a free agent with United's under-21 team on a short-term contract. He left League Two outfit Doncaster Rovers at the end of the last season following the expiry of his contract.

Like United star Marcus Rashford, Rowe was born in Wythenshawe and came through the club's academy before heading to Stockport County.

He has accumulated a wealth of experience in a career that took him to Peterborough United, Wolves, Doncaster and Bristol City, with over 600 appearances under his belt in the lower end of the English Football League pyramind.

Rowe is understood to be viewed as an ideal addition to the club's academy setup at Carrington, where other senior players such as Tom Huddlestone have been hired to play for their development squad in a player/coach role.

He played as a trialist for the Red Devils' U21 side in pre-season and, according to the Manchester Evening News, staff were left 'impressed' by his character, understanding of the game and fitness levels.

Their report cites a source claiming Rowe was 'the best they've seen' from the players to have operated in such a role.

The former midfielder pondered his future in the summer, but United have offered the ideal opportunity to help him transition from playing to coaching.

The report adds it will be 'mutually beneficial agreement', with Rowe helping enforce high standards and providing advice at Carrington and benefiting from a decent financial package.

It is no coincidence that Brighton were the first top-flight club to create the role for a player at their club when they signed Andrew Croft. Their sporting director at the time was Dan Ashworth, who was hired to take on the same role at Old Trafford earlier this year.

While Ashworth is the brainchild behind the hybrid role, United decided to bring in Huddlestone long before he arrived at Old Trafford.

They also moved to bring former United academy graduate Paul McShane, who had come through the club's youth system himself, back to the club in 2021. Other clubs have followed suit, with Liverpool signing Jay Spearing to work with their youngsters.