Mike Phelan has been confirmed as Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant manager at Manchester United. The 47-year-old has been the acting No2 since Carlos Queiroz left Old Trafford in July to take the manager's job with Portugal.
Phelan, who was signed by Ferguson as a player in 1989, rejoined United in 1999 as the reserve-team coach and took up a first-team coaching role two years later when Steve McClaren left. Skills development expert Rene Meulensteen succeeds Phelan as first-team coach.
"I am delighted that Mick and Rene have agreed to fill these important positions," Ferguson said. "Mick knows Manchester United inside out, having been associated with the club for the best part of 20 years. He is a very talented and professional coach, whose ability and contribution to the club's success has often been understated."
"Rene brings different ideas and experience to the role of first team coach. I believe the two will provide an excellent team to continue the club's willingness to try new ideas and constantly drive for success in an increasingly competitive game."
Queiroz's departure left a troublesome hole in Ferguson's coaching staff. Although during his first spell at Old Trafford he was criticised by fans who blamed him for persuading Ferguson to deploy a seemingly negative 4-5-1 formation, his increasing influence over the team was recognised during the past season as United won the Premier League and Champions League.
Indeed, the significance of his role alongside Ferguson was felt when he left to manage Real Madrid in the 2003-04 season. While Queiroz failed to win a trophy in Spain before returning to Manchester, United underwent a similarly barren year, finishing third as Ferguson struggled without an assistant until he brought Walter Smith in for the final two months of the season.
Ferguson was believed to have been scouring Europe for a replacement for Queiroz, with the highly-regarded Swansea City manager Roberto Martinez one of those thought to be high on his list. Instead, he has chosen to promote from within the club.
