Sources have reported that Mike Phelan is set to be appointed as Man United’s technical director.
Phelan has returned to Old Trafford alongside Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
During United’s resurgence under OGS, Phelan was widely credited with his work with the defence.
In general, Phelan is known as an astute tactician who is adored by the Man United fans.
But is he the right man to fill the technical director role at Old Trafford, working alongside Ed Woodward on recruitment?
United hope to widen his brief and make him responsible for overseeing the rebuilding of the club.
Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is eager to conclude matters and give Phelan the reins.
Michael Carrick’s promotion
As it is, Phelan’s promotion will trigger several other changes to the United backroom staff:
When Phelan is appointed technical director, (Michael) Carrick will effectively become Solskjaer’s assistant.
Kieran McKenna, who was elevated to the senior coaching team last summer, will also get new terms.
What about the Central Coast Mariners?
It was suggested that Phelan’s future at Man United may be in doubt.
Prior to returning to Old Trafford, Phelan was the sporting director for A-League side Central Coast Mariners.
Noticeably, despite locking Solskjaer down to a three-year contract, Phelan hasn’t signed a deal with Man United. The Mirror reported:
Phelan, who had a spell as a player at Old Trafford in the early 1990s and spent 15 years alongside Ferguson, is currently on secondment from Australian side Central Coast Mariners, where he operates as the A-League club’s sporting director.