Kerala Blasters have officially hired a former Manchester United coach ahead of the new season.

United themselves know plenty about managerial change.

Erik ten Hag left in 2024 before Ruben Amorim replaced him.

Amorim then departed in January 2026, with Darren Fletcher briefly taking interim charge before Michael Carrick returned.

Carrick transformed United’s season.

He won 11 of his first 16 matches and guided them to third place, securing Champions League football before earning the job permanently.

However, that momentum has not carried seamlessly into 2026/27.

United have collected just five points from their opening five Premier League games.

Their early Carabao Cup exit against Brighton added another disappointment.

While Carrick tries to rediscover last season’s rhythm, someone with a long history at Carrington has started a very different coaching chapter.

Kerala Blasters announce appointment of former Manchester United coach

The man in question is Hasney Aljofree, who has officially joined Kerala Blasters as assistant manager.

The Indian Super League club announced Aljofree as one of three additions to Westwood’s coaching team on Instagram.

Amit Rana has arrived as assistant coach, while Felix D’Souza becomes goalkeeping coach.

Aljofree, 48, has particularly deep United connections.

He started his playing career in United’s academy before leaving for Bolton Wanderers in 1996.

The centre-back later represented Dundee United, Plymouth Argyle, Sheffield Wednesday, Oldham Athletic and Swindon Town.

His United story did not end there.

Aljofree returned as an academy coach and spent several years working across different age groups at Carrington.

He later became Head of Coach Education and Development at the Football Association of Singapore.

There is another United connection in his family.

His son, Sonny Aljofree, spent 14 years in the academy and captained the Under-21s before leaving this summer.

CentreDevils previously reported that Rotherham United signed Sonny following his release.

Kerala Blasters now offer Aljofree his latest challenge.

Westwood took charge in March after David Catala’s departure and helped steer the Blasters away from serious trouble. Now he has added another experienced Manchester football figure to his staff.

 

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