Manchester United academy graduate lands shock new job in Afghanistan

A former Manchester United starlet has has landed a shock new job as manager of the Afghanistan national team.

Ashley Westwood progressed through the youth ranks at Old Trafford under Sir Alex Ferguson but failed to make a first-team appearance for the Red Devils.

He was eventually sold to Crewe Alexandra before going on to play for Bradford City, Sheffield Wednesday, Northampton Town, Chester City, Stevenage, Wrexham, Kettering Town, Lincoln City and Portsmouth.

After retiring as a player, Westwood became player-manager at Kettering Town where he started his journey in coaching and management.

After spells in India and Malaysia, Westwood's new job is likely to be his most challenging to date by far.

Westwood's first match in charge of Afghanistan will be on November 16 when they take on Qatar in a World Cup qualifier.

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However, naming a team could be a challenge with 18 of their star players currently boycotting the Afghanistan Federation due to allegations of corruption.

With players refusing to return until President Mohammad Yuosef Kargar has resigned, Westwood says that he will only pick those who show 'the right commitment'.

He said: "I understand players' concerns and issues.

"At the end of the day I want to play for me and for this country.

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"I will quickly now go into camp in Qatar with 25 players and I will start to form opinions of the players and how they run and conduct themselves.

"We will start to make quick decisions about players and those who do not have the right commitment will not be picked."

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