Aug 6 (Reuters) - Diego Forlan ⁠has been named head coach of Uruguay's senior ⁠and Under-20s sides, the country's FA (AUF) announced on ‌Thursday.

The 47-year-old former Manchester United, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan forward succeeds Marcelo Bielsa, who left after a winless group-stage exit in ​Uruguay's World Cup campaign.

Forlan will begin ⁠his tenure immediately with ⁠the Under-20 team, the AUF said.

"Forlan returns to where he ⁠left ‌an indelible mark," the AUF said in a statement.

"A role model, icon, and emblem of an ⁠unforgettable generation, the best player of the ​2010 South Africa ‌World Cup returns now to contribute his experience, ⁠leadership, and ​profound knowledge of international football from a technical position."

The appointment is part of Uruguay's efforts to rebuild following Bielsa's departure.

The ⁠Argentine left when his contract expired ​and acknowledged in a press conference that he had been unable to mould a talented squad into one capable of ⁠avoiding disappointment at the World Cup.

Local media reports also highlighted tensions between Bielsa and some members of the squad during the tournament.

Forlan, who won 112 caps and ​helped Uruguay lift the 2011 Copa ⁠America title, retired from playing in 2019 and has since ​coached Uruguayan clubs Penarol and ‌Atenas.

He will take charge of Uruguay's ​friendly matches scheduled between September and November.

(Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha and Karan Prashant Saxena in Bengaluru)