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Reds boost midfield stocks with Englishman, Tunnicliffe

Former Manchester United Youth product, Ryan Tunnicliffe, will be lining up in another red this season, joining Adelaide United on a two-year deal.

Tunnicliffe is a relentless central midfielder who arrives from Portsmouth after playing 69 matches, scoring three goals in England’s League One.

The 30-year-old has also represented Luton Town and Millwall in the Championship, after he was first scouted by Manchester United when he was nine.

Hard in the tackle and able to also play out wide, Tunnicliffe – nicknamed ‘Terminator’ – is an old-school midfielder that boosts United’s defensive and offensive outlets.

With over 350 games of English professional football under his belt including Premier League appearances with Fulham, Tunnicliffe can’t wait for this next step in his career.

“I’m absolutely over the moon to have signed for United and it poses a great challenge and change for me after playing in England all of my life,” he said.

“I’ll be leaning on guys like Zach (Clough) to help get me settled and I can’t wait to play at Coopers Stadium which is one of the best grounds in the league and comparable to England I hear.

“You see more and more of the A-League over in the UK with plenty moving over all the time, so this seems like a natural fit for me and I can’t wait to get started.”

Head Coach, Carl Veart, lauded the signing of Tunnicliffe and his potential with the Reds.

“Ryan has a wealth of experience in the game with a never-say-die mentality, and we’re really looking forward to his leadership and grit on the park this season,” he said.

“He is the perfect player for United as we feel he will fit the mould and physicality of the A-League perfectly.

“As someone who has been in Championship and Premier League changerooms for most of his career, his football technical ability and the professionalism he will bring can only boost the entire squad.”

Tunnicliffe arrived in Adelaide on Tuesday and the right-footer will wear No. 22 in the 2023/24 Isuzu UTE A-League season.