Mike Phelan played for Manchester United for five years under Sir Alex Ferguson and he was also part of the legendary coaching staff that lined up Premier League titles under the Scottish manager.
When Ferguson retired in 2013, Phelan pursued a number of other coaching opportunities but returned to Old Trafford in 2018 to become Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s assistant manager.
When the Norwegian was sacked in 2021, Phelan stayed on under Ralf Rangnick but has not continued that role under Erik ten Hag. It is, however, being reported that Phelan is still employed by the Old Trafford club, with an ambassador role being discussed.
That’s according to The Athletic, who say that should Michael Carrick, who was officially named Middlesbrough manager last week, request to have Phelan as a part of his backroom staff, United will not stand in his way.
Phelan’s current contract is believed to run until 2024 but an agreement on severance pay has not been reached yet despite the 60-year-old not working since last season.
It’s claimed that Phelan is an option to become Carrick’s assistant manager at Middlesbrough but it remains to be seen whether that turns into reality.
SN’s verdict…
Phelan is a highly respected figure at United and it makes sense that the club is looking out for one of the main figures of their most successful eras.
Phelan is still active in football and it would make sense for him to join Carrick at Middlesbrough. The former England midfielder was coached by Phelan for a number of years and they worked alongside each other under Solskjaer for the best part of three years.
