Manchester United continues to pay Mile Phelan his wages despite the fact that the assistant coach hasn’t helped the team since Ralf Rangnick left the club.
This latest information comes as Michael Carrick, who is almost ready to take over as Middlesbrough’s manager, is open to taking Phelan along with him.
The former United assistant manager is being courted by Carrick to serve as his assistant at his next club. Prior to their time together on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s backroom staff, Phelan trained Solskjaer for seven years while he was a player. The Athletic claims that if Carrick and Middlesbrough decide to pursue their interest, United won’t stand in their way.
Phelan has been subject to a term of a restrictive covenant that prevents him from accepting a new position in football, but he hasn’t worked for United since the conclusion of the previous campaign when he assisted interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
Phelan has still continued to receive his salary under a contract signed in October 2021 because a final severance or new role has not yet been decided.
Phelan, who spent 21 years as a player and coach at the club and won 15 major trophies during that time, was discussed for an ambassadorial position; that possibility is still open.
He has been busy with punditry, speaking engagements, and coaching through his company ever since he reduced his roles at Old Trafford. Finding a deal with Phelan on the remaining salary period could provide the Red Devils with a solution as his agreement is up in 2024.
Normally, as with players, United would pay Phelan a lump sum in exchange for making a smaller overall financial contribution, but with coaches, payments could be made on a monthly basis until another opportunity elsewhere is found.
Beyond Phelan, Rene Meulensteen is another candidate that Carrick is considering. However, Meulensteen, who is Australia’s assistant manager under head coach Graham Arnold, is currently focused on the World Cup.
