David Moyes has begun his Old Trafford clear-out by allowing assistant manager Mike Phelan to end a 19-year association with Manchester United.
Brought in as a player by Sir Alex Ferguson in 1989, the ex-midfielder spent his swansong season at West Bromwich Albion five years later, before returning to United as a coach in 1999.
He was promoted to assistant manager following Carlos Queiroz’s 2008 departure, but Moyes – who has also deemed goalkeeping coach Eric Steele surplus to requirements – has other plans.
“I would like to put on record the club’s thanks for everything Mike and Eric have done,” said Moyes.
“I will be looking to appoint my own members of coaching staff at some point in the future.
“However, I’d like to take this opportunity to give them both our best wishes for their future careers.”
As well as marshalling the Red Devils’ touchline, Phelan was renowned for handling much of Ferguson’s BBC press duties until the Scot ended his boycott of the organisation in 2011.
Former United centre-back David May, who was coached by the 50-year-old before leaving the club in 2003, believes his departure will leave a void.
“I’m shocked because Mick’s been a fantastic servant at the club as a player also as a coach and as a guy,” May told BBC Radio Manchester.
“He’s a fantastic guy to have around, I’m sure it’ll be a shock to quite a few of the players because he was very well regarded there and I’m sure the lads will miss him.”
Image courtesy of Beanyman62Sports, via YouTube, with thanks.
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