Former Manchester United player is new Hong Kong coach

Ashley Westwood, a Manchester United academy graduate and former head coach of the Afghanistan national team, has officially been unveiled as the new manager of the Hong Kong Representative Team.

The Hong Kong Football Association confirmed the move on Wednesday and said the 47-year-old will be joining the city’s representative team next month for Hong Kong’s matches in a tri-nations tournament in Fiji.

Westwood will succeed former head coach Jorn Andersen who resigned in May. Local fans have previously praised the Norwegian for bringing massive tactical changes to the team throughout his 2.5-year reign.

Commenting on his appointment, the Englishman said it is with great honor and pride to take over the position. He said he is grateful for the FA’s trust and he is positive about the future of Hong Kong football.

He also noted that his goal is to improve the team’s world rankings and help the team qualify for the Asian Cup.

According to the FIFA world ranking, the Hong Kong Representative Team is now positioned at 159 among 210 member nations.

Apart from the Afghanistan national team, Westwood has previously managed Bengaluru FC in India, and Malaysian side Penang FC.