Manchester United are moving closer to appointing Erik ten Hag. ESPN Netherlands report the club has decided to pay the Dutchman’s release clause and have made him first choice.
While Ten Hag is heading in, another name could be heading out. BBC Sport report Mike Phelan is ‘unlikely’ to stay.
A new era
Phelan was hired by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as assistant boss during his interim spell in late 2018 and then hired on a permanent basis.
Despite Solskjaer being fired last November, Phelan stayed on at United and has continued to work under the Ralf Rangnick regime.
Solskjaer’s other assistants, Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna resigned, with the latter leaving to take up a position at Ipswich Town, and also taking coach Martyn Pert with him.
Phelan was seen as being an important part of a ‘cultural reset’ under Solskjaer, helping to bring back the club’s old feel under Sir Alex Ferguson, but ultimately history is unlikely to be kind to this stint, due to a lack of silverware.
Rangnick had commented on Phelan’s role last December which caused some confusion. Darren Fletcher, technical director, is seen to be more active on the sidelines.
Rangnick said: “Mike Phelan is not watching the training sessions – he also didn’t do that when Ole was in charge but he’s also part of the training group of the staff but he is never on the pitch when we train.
“He’s not out there and he didn’t do that when Ole was in charge. Chris (Armas) will not replace Mike but much rather Michael Carrick.”
The Times reported in January that Rangnick had looked to Phelan to try and unite a divided dressing room.
Perfectly balanced
While United would be losing an assistant who worked under Sir Alex Ferguson if Phelan leaves, the club could gain another.
Ten Hag reportedly wants to hire an assistant with experience at United, with a Dutch connection.
The Guardian report this could be Steve McClaren, while Rene Meulensteen has been suggested by ESPN as a possible alternative.
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