'This must be some alternate universe' - Forgotten England & Premier League star rolls back years with winning goal for Man Utd in U21s derby clash with City to prompt hilarious 'starboy' claims from fans

Manchester United earned a 2-1 win over arch-rivals Manchester City in a Premier League 2 clash at Leigh Sports Village on Monday night, with 18-year-old Ethan Wheatley opening the scoring for the hosts in the 35th minute. Former Tottenham and England midfielder Huddlestone doubled United's advantage with a finish from the edge of the box early in the second half, which turned out to be the winner despite Stephen Mfuni reducing the deficit for City a few minutes later.

Fans on social media were amazed to see 37-year-old Huddlestone rolling back the years for United's U21s, who are able to field up to five overage players in their lineup in accordance with current Premier League 2 rules.

"Tom Huddlestone in 2024??? This must be some alternate universe 😭😭😭," an X account named @UTDPsalm wrote.

Reacting immediately after Huddlestone's goal, @NathSalt1 said: "Tom Huddlestone has just made it 2-0 and I'm absolutely fascinated by the role he plays. Would be so easy for him to have bounced around lower league clubs to see out his career but his playing-coaching hybrid role is a model others could follow."

Meanwhile, an account named @Rzj77_ joked: "Starboy. Carrington has done it again with this Tom Huddlestone guy."

The outpouring of disbelief continued via @KippaxWill, who said: "37 year old Tom Huddlestone has scored for united's academy side tonight in the derby. THIRTY. SEVEN. ACADEMY."

Another fan account named @Realisiah1 added in a sarcastic tone: "Tom Huddlestone is a player I think has very good potential and could be in line for a senior call up. (Let’s see who all takes this serious)."

Huddlestone initially joined United's academy set-up as a player-coach in 2022, and has been picked to play in the last four games by U21s boss Travis Binnion. It's been 22 years since Huddlestone made his professional debut at Derby County in 2002, before every single player in City's latest U21s lineup had even been born.

Huddlestone will hope to continue making a key contribution to United's U21 side, who are sitting 10th in the Premier League 2 table after 20 games. It is not yet known when the veteran midfielder will hang up his boots and make the permanent move into coaching, having enjoyed a decorated playing career in his prime. Huddlestone made 209 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham between 2005 and 2013, and also won four England caps, earning a reputation as one of the top playmakers in the country.