Latest reports on Manchester United coach and former assistant manager Mike Phelan’s future at the club have come to the fore.
Phelan’s first stint at United started as a player in 1989. Upon hanging up his boots, he joined the Red Devils at their Center of Excellence in 1999. He was then promoted to first-team coach and eventually to assistant manager under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2008. Phelan departed the club shortly after Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.
In December 2018, Phelan was once again brought back to Old Trafford. He was appointed as a first-team coach under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before becoming assistant manager under the Norwegian. However, following Solskjaer’s departure from the club, Phelan was deemed surplus to requirement by new manager Erik ten Hag.
Manchester United Are Yet to Part Ways With Mike Phelan
Took in the game while on my travels. A good three points #MUFC pic.twitter.com/U0AaTNICUb
— Mike Phelan (@Mike_Phelan_1) October 19, 2022
Phelan Is Still Technically Employed by United
When Erik ten Hag arrived at United this summer, speculation was rife on what would be the future of several former United coaches. While Michael Carrick departed the club last season following his brief spell as caretaker manager, Phelan stayed on.
Ten Hag brought with him a new set of coaches and backroom staff, and the former Premier League winner was unsurprisingly deemed surplus to requirement. He was quickly etched out of the dugout and is hardly ever seen in the day-to-day activities of the club.
Latest reports from The Athletic state that Phelan’s time at the United is not yet over. Sir Alex Ferguson’s former right-hand man is still employed by the club and is yet to come to terms on a severance package.
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The report goes on to add that an ambassadorial role was also discussed between the former assistant manager and the United hierarchy. However, no conclusive decisions have been made.
Mike Phelan est toujours un salarié de Manchester United même s'il n'a pas travaillé depuis la fin de la saison dernière et le club ne le retiendra pas si Michael Carrick essaie de le faire venir à Middlesbrough. [@lauriewhitwell] #MUFC pic.twitter.com/wbFHjIRjJq
— Manchester United (@MUnitedFR) October 24, 2022
Phelan Could Join a Former United Star at a New Club
There is no doubt that Mike Phelan holds considerable prowess when it comes to coaching and knowing the intricacies of modern-day football. During his time with Alex Ferguson, the former Burnley star won three Premier League titles and saw the squad make it to two UEFA Champions League finals (2009 and 2011).
Therefore it comes as no surprise that a former player could be on the lookout for Phelan’s services. According to the report from The Athletic, Phelan could join Carrick at Middlesbrough after the former player became their new manager. The Atheltic also states that the Red Devils’ management will not stand in the way of Phelan if he were to leave.
Mike Phelan’s current contract with the club expires in 2024. It will be interesting to see what is in store for the experienced coach in the next few months.
