Manchester United academy graduate James Chester has gained coaching experience in the club’s youth division. Chester featured in the 2007 FA Youth Cup final, was named United’s Academy Player of the Year by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and made his senior debut under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2009. The Warrington-born defender joined Hull City in 2011 for a fee that Ferguson described as an “absolute steal”.
He then moved to West Brom, Aston Villa, Stoke City, Derby County and Barrow before retiring after a spell with Salford City earlier this year. After retiring, Chester received an invitation from his good friend Paul McShane to observe training sessions at the academy.
McShane left United this summer after five years in the academy, but Chester was asked to begin his coaching career by working with the Under-15s and Under-16s.
Chester has returned to Carrington on a voluntary basis and the former centre-back is contributing three sessions a week with the U15s and U16s, sharing his experience as a professional.
The 36-year-old announced his retirement in January and is thought to be considering his future options, but is enjoying his coaching opportunities while aiming for his UEFA B license.
Manchester United’s academy has undergone significant development in recent years, with former graduates returning to Carrington to take up coaching roles.
This arrangement allows young talent to learn from players with Premier League experience, creating a win-win situation for all involved.
Chester was part of the talented United team that reached the 2007 Youth Cup final, playing alongside notable players such as Danny Welbeck, Danny Drinkwater, Sam Hewson and Fabian Brandi.
Sir Alex Ferguson gave Chester his first first-team experience in the League Cup semi-final second leg against Derby in January 2009, replacing Gary Neville with 20 minutes remaining.
Chester also played a key role in Hull City’s 2014 FA Cup final win against Arsenal, scoring the opening goal within four minutes. He has played over 500 games in all competitions and won 35 caps for Wales.
United’s academy product was played every minute of Wales’ run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016.
