Manchester United

Under-18 boss Paul McGuinness quits Manchester United

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 12 February 2016

Under-18 coach Paul McGuinness leaves his role with Manchester United having spent more than 20 years working with the club's academy.

Long-serving Under-18 coach Paul McGuinness has left Manchester United after working with the youth team for more than 20 years.

The 49-year-old represented the Red Devils in two separate occasions as a player and had held the Under-18 job with the English giants since 2005.

McGuinness, who is the son of former Man United boss Wilf McGuinness, also led the club to the FA Youth Cup in 2011 and has played a key role in the development of a number of young players.

"I have dedicated my life to each job, from player to education and welfare officer, to Centre of Excellence director and scout, assistant academy director for under-9s to under-16s and later under-17s to under-21s, head coach for the professional development phase and finally youth-team coach," read a statement on Man United's official website.

"I will be forever grateful to Sir Alex Ferguson for making my dreams come true and inviting me to represent Manchester United as a player and for the last 23 years as a proud member of staff. I have learned a great deal by working with Sir Alex and so many special Manchester United people over the years, especially my mentors Eric Harrison, Jim Ryan and Tony Whelan.

"I have so many incredible memories, particularly the FA Youth Cup win in 2011 and being asked to be part of the Munich memorial service in 2008, but I have especially enjoyed working behind the scenes with devoted colleagues, nurturing and coaching young players to reach their potential."

On Thursday, Man United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward revealed that an announcement on the restructuring of the club's academy would be made "in the coming days".