Phil Neville returns to Manchester United as the latest addition to David Moyes' coaching team

The former defender returns to Old Trafford

Phil Neville will return to his old club Manchester United as a coach this summer to join David Moyes' backroom staff (Getty images)

Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville has followed David Moyes to Old Trafford with the club announcing he has joined as part of the new coaching team under the former Everton boss.

Neville, who announced his retirement last month after an 18-year playing career, arrived at the Carrington training base early this morning with United confirming the appointment mid-afternnon, and he is the latest addition to an impressive backroom staff that Moyes is assembling, having appointed Ryan Giggs as player-coach earlier today.

Having already appointed Everton colleagues Chris Woods, Steve Round, Robbie Cooke and Jimmy Lumsden, Moyes is surrounding himself with the familiar faces that he worked with at Goodison Park as he attempts to carry on where Sir Alex Ferguson left off.

Moyes said on the appointment of Neville: "I have known and worked with Philip for eight years and in that time I have come to know his dedication, ability to lead and appetite for hard work.

"In addition, of course, he understands the club very well and I think his addition to the coaching staff will be a valuable one."

Neville made 386 appearances in 11 seasons at United, winning six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the Champions League, before switching to Everton in 2005 for £3.5 million and becoming club captain in 2007.

Ferguson handed Neville his Manchester United debut in 1995 in a 3-0 win over Manchester City.

The defensive Neville, who has been used both in defence and midfield over the years, has been training for his coaching badges having already earned his Uefa B Licence award. He was part of the England Under 21s coaching staff on the ill-fated European Championship’s campaign in Israel this summer.

"When I retired from football, I knew that I wanted to continue in the game; it's something that I have been preparing for over the last few years," said Neville.

"So when David called to give me this opportunity, I couldn't resist.

"I gave my all when I played for Everton but it is no secret that this club is in my heart.

"I've really enjoyed working with David and his staff as a player and I think that, together with Ryan (Giggs), we can make a real contribution to Manchester United," he added.

Having been at the club with brother Gary, they still have many close friends in the current squad that include Paul Scholes, and Giggs – all four were part of the famous Class of ’92 – as well as Michael Carrick, and his arrival is likely to be welcomed by the players and fans alike.

Neville was linked with the previously vacant roles at Everton and Wigan, but he has chosen another coaching role before making the expected move up to management.