Former York City favourite Rick Sbragia has joined Premiership titans Manchester United as their new reserve team coach.

Sbragia, who spent five years as a player with the Minstermen before heading up youth development at Bootham Crescent in 1987 until his departure for Sunderland seven years later, has opted to accept the approach from Red Devils' boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ironically, Sbragia's first genuine success as a youth team coach was in 1993 when he guided the young Minster marvels to the FA Cup quarter-final where they were eventually beaten by a Manchester United side including current England internationals David Beckham, Nicky Butt and the Neville brothers, Gary and Phil.

Speaking to the Evening Press he said: "In almost 20 years I have gone from what was then a Division Four club to one of the top clubs in Europe.

"It's a dream come true for me. It's a new horizon with a fresh challenge and I'm looking forward to it."

Sbragia added that he was persuaded to finally end eight successful years with the Black Cats after he was telephoned at his York home by United boss Ferguson. "That conversation convinced me," he said ahead of taking up his new post next Monday.

Updated: 11:56 Thursday, November 21, 2002