Why Ji-sung Park is back at United

The 37-year-old, who spent seven years at Old Trafford as a player, is learning how the world of football works off the pitch and has recently spent some time back at the Aon Training Complex.

After retiring in 2014, Ji studied Management, Law and Humanities of Sport MA at De Montfort University, in Leicester, and his education has now expanded to Manchester, where he is learning about player development.

Ji was at Old Trafford on Tuesday night to watch the Reds in UEFA Champions League action against Juventus, alongside fellow United favourites Quinton Fortune, Patrice Evra and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (pictured above). 

Before the game, he spoke to MUTV and gave us some insight into what he's been doing back at the club. 

“It is great to be back at Manchester United,” Ji said. “I am seeing how the club manages the youth development, the coaching staff and the scouting system - the technical side of the club. I want to see how they're doing it and it has been great to see.

“I have enjoyed it so far, seeing how they develop the players and studying women's football as well.

“We always achieve a winning mentality and that is in our history. The players should have it, the team should have it, the youth teams and women's team as well. It's great to see the whole club has the same mindset to achieve the same thing.”

Ji joined United in 2005 and went on to play more than 200 games for the club, winning four Premier League titles in the process. He was also part of the 2008 Champions League-winning squad and earned 100 caps for South Korea.

After leaving United, Ji joined Queens Park Rangers for a brief spell before hanging up his boots in 2014. And the former South Korea captain said when deciding to gain some work experience, United was the obvious choice.

“The doors are always open for the ex-players to return and we are so pleased with that,” he said. “The ex-players ask the club something and the club will always help the ex-players with what they want to achieve. 

“It has been brilliant and, during my career, it has always been the same - this club is a family.”