Justin Cochrane has explained leaving the English FA for Manchester United's academy.

It was quite the coup given the talented 39-year-old was being talked about as potential successor to England Under-21s manager Aidy Boothroyd around that time.

“It was tough because I learned so much in my three years at the FA, working with the best players across the country," Cochrane told the PA news agency.

“You're testing yourself against other coaches, other nations, seeing what the other teams are doing.

“But ultimately when Manchester United come calling and the lure back to the day-to-day work, I'm someone who wants to be busy, someone who wants to be active, someone who wants to be on the grass helping players develop. That's my passion.

“It would have to take a really good job for me to leave the FA and I've got a fantastic job here at Manchester United."