Ex-Utd star who played under Fergie and scored in FA Cup final in shock return

JAMES CHESTER has made a shock return to Manchester United - 14 years after leaving.

The Red Devils academy graduate enjoyed a successful career across the Premier League and Championship .

5 James Chester has returned to Manchester United Credit: Getty

5 He retired back in January earlier this year Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Chester , 36, left United in 2011 after rising through the youth ranks at the club.

He was named the club's academy Player of the Year in 2007 after helping the team to the 2007 FA Youth Cup final.

They were beaten by Liverpool's U18s in the match but that did not stop Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from giving Chester the award.

He did earn first-team minutes at United under Sir Alex Ferguson as he featured in the League Cup win over Derby County in 2009.

Chester played 23 minutes after replacing Gary Neville in the 4-2 second-leg semi-final victory at Old Trafford.

He qualified for a winners' medal in the tournament as United beat Tottenham on penalties at Wembley.

He was sold to Hull City in a move that Ferguson described as an "absolute steal".

He went to star for the likes of West Brom , Aston Villa , Stoke City , Derby, Barrow and Salford City before retiring earlier this year.

Having hung up his boots, he has reportedly made the shock return to Old Trafford.

But he will not be resuming his playing career but instead pursue his coaching career.

MEN have claimed that he was invited to watch the academy train by close friend, Paul McShane.

McShane left United after five years this summer but Chester could still get involved.

The report adds that he worked with the United U15s and U16s at Carrington.

5 Chester scored for Hull City in the 2014 FA Cup final Credit: Getty

5 His goal was not enough for the Tigers as Arsenal fought back to win Credit: Getty

It is believed that he is working for the club on a "voluntary basis" and is at the training ground three times a week.

He is working towards gaining a Uefa B Licence.

During his playing days, Chester's pinnacle came in the 2014 FA Cup final as he netted for Hull against Arsenal .

The defender would ultimately end the game on the losing side as the Gunners stormed back from 2-0 down to win 3-2.

Chester also earned 35 caps for Wales during his career.

He was a part of the team's iconic run to the 2016 Euros semi-finals in which they shocked Belgium 3-1 in the quarter-finals.

5 He played 35 times for Wales Credit: Getty - Contributor