Man Utd promote Neil Ryan to U18s manager

Rui Faria's departure last season has made Jose Mourinho re-evaluate his backroom staffing set-up.

McKenna was moved up to first-team coaching staff, and has been joined by Michael Carrick and Stefano Rapetti, who worked with Mourinho at Inter Milan.

Ryan was previously in charge of the Man Utd Under-16s team, and will now look to build on his success in the next age range up.

The U18s won the Premier League North title last year, so Ryan will be looking for another strong performance.

Ryan spoke to the club website following his appointment:

"I've grown up with Manchester United all my life and it's an absolute honour and privilege to be here coaching the youth team."

"It's my job, and the responsibility of all the coaches in the Academy, to develop young players in the way that is expected at our club."

"The Under-18 team has made great strides last season and although there will be some big challenges ahead, I can't wait to get the season started."

The head of academy football at United, Nicky Butt, added: "Neil has been coaching at United full-time for 11 years now, so has earned this opportunity. He has moved up the ranks and I think he is very good at what he does."

"He is coming into a very good set-up, as he will be assisted by the same staff that worked with Kieran McKenna last season, in Colin Little, Charlie Owen and Kevin Wolfe."

"The aim of the club is to develop the players and get them as close to the first team as possible and we believe that Neil's appointment will help us continue that tradition."