The former striker, who retired from playing at the age of 40, has been appointed to work specifically on the development plans of Manchester United’s Under-21 players. His position is distinct from the more traditional player-coach arrangements previously used by the club, in which experienced professionals combined occasional appearances for the youth teams with coaching responsibilities.
Paul McShane, Tom Huddlestone and Tommy Rowe have all taken on roles of that kind in recent years. Jerome, however, will concentrate on individual coaching and mentoring, helping young players develop both on and off the pitch.
United are understood to have considered candidates capable of providing personalised guidance rather than simply adding another former professional to the academy playing staff.
Jerome brings considerable experience from a long senior career, having played more than 700 matches and scored 163 goals. His knowledge of the demands of professional football is expected to be particularly useful to the club's young attacking players.
Sources close to Jerome have described him as “old school” and “opinionated”, qualities that could give his mentoring a direct and challenging edge.
The appointment comes as United look to strengthen their approach to academy development and establish greater control over the progression of promising youngsters. The club have recently faced scrutiny over their handling of highly rated young players, including the circumstances surrounding the departure of a 15-year-old talent and his father.
Jerome's role is intended to provide players with more consistent individual attention, helping them understand what is required to make the transition from academy football to the senior game.
There has also been another addition to the academy coaching structure, with Peter Sturgess returning from retirement on a casual basis.
Sturgess is regarded by United as a leading specialist in foundation-phase coaching, and his experience will be used to support the development of younger players at the earliest stages of the pathway.
The two appointments bring different areas of expertise into the academy. Jerome will focus on the individual development of the Under-21 group, while Sturgess will contribute specialist knowledge at foundation level.
For Jerome, the move offers a new direction after his playing career, allowing him to put the experience accumulated over more than two decades in professional football to use in helping the next generation.