BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Man Utd (original) (raw)

Mike Phelan and Sir Alex Ferguson already share a close bond

Manchester United have named their former midfielder Mike Phelan as assistant manager, while Rene Meulensteen becomes first team coach.

Phelan, 45, replaces Carlos Queiroz, who left his position to take over as Portugal's coach in July.

Dutchman Meulensteen is promoted from technical skills development officer.

"Mick knows Manchester United inside out, having been associated with the club for the best part of 20 years," manager Sir Alex Ferguson said.

"I am delighted that Mick and Rene have agreed to fill these important positions.

"Mick is a very talented and professional coach, whose ability and contribution to the club's success has often been understated."

Former United stars Brian McClair and Laurent Blanc had also been linked with the vacant post.

Phelan has been working as a first team coach since 2001, the year Steve McClaren left to coach Middlesbrough.

He played more than 100 games in five years at United, earning a Premier League winners' medal in 1993.

The defensive midfielder, who also played occasionally at full-back, stayed with United for another year but didn't make enough appearances to warrant another medal and was omitted from the squad for the FA Cup final.