Manchester United three-time Premier League winner back in management after landing League One job

Former Manchester United defender Steve Bruce has been appointed as the manager of League One side Blackpool on a two-year deal. The 63-year-old has been out of the game since being sacked by West Brom in October 2022.

Bruce, who won three Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the European Cup Winner’s Cup with United during a nine-year spell at Old Trafford said he was “delighted” to make his return to the dugout after almost two years without a club.

He told the Blackpool club website: “I’m delighted to be back in football and to take charge of this fantastic football club. I’d like to thank Simon, Julian and David for giving me this great opportunity. I look forward to meeting all of the staff and players in the coming days as we prepare for what we all hope will be an exciting season at Bloomfield Road.”

Owner Simon Sadler added: "I'm confident that Steve’s experience and leadership qualities will be a tremendous asset for Blackpool Football Club. His organised approach coupled with his desire to build a hardworking and entertaining side is a large part of what attracted us to him.

“Additionally, Steve’s ability to help grow and develop not only our playing staff but also our coaching talent was important to us. Alongside his assistant Steve Agnew, there is a great opportunity for two of our former-players at the early stages of their coaching careers to learn from a duo who possess unrivalled qualities. We hope that this blend will get the very best out of our talented squad.”

Bruce made 393 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 47 goals between 1987 and 1996. He started his career with Gillingham and also played for Norwich City, Birmingham City and Sheffield United before moving into management with the Blades. He has coached a total of 12 clubs to date with Blackpool his 13th managerial appointment. His former clubs include Huddersfield Town, Wigan Athletic, Crystal Palace, Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic, Sunderland, Hull City, Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday, Newcastle United and as mentioned above, West Brom.