Mike Phelan among favourite’s for top Man Utd job… but when he was technical director of Australian A-League side they finished bottom

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants Manchester United to appoint Mike Phelan as the club’s first technical director.

Phelan, 56, has been the assistant manager to Solskjaer since the Norwegian returned to the club in December after the sacking of Jose Mourinho.

Solskjaer’s role as manager was made permanent in March, but Phelan is yet to extend his contract with the club.

According to The Times, Phelan wants a bigger role at Old Trafford and fancies the technical director gig.

Solskjaer, who was appointed the United boss long-term in March is keen on Phelan getting the job as they have a good working relationship and he understands where the squad needs strengthening.

Phelan is a popular figure at Carrington, after spending 12 years working under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Phelan does have some experience in a similar role, he was technical director of Central Coast Mariners who finished bottom of the A-League this season.

Ed Woodward, United’s executive vice-chairman, started making plans in December after he sacked Mourinho, who was against the idea of a technical director as he felt it threatened his authority.

EX-UNITED PLAYER SPEAK WITH ED WOODWARD ABOUT ROLE AT CLUB

The club wants to hire someone with Old Trafford links or is in tune with their traditions and history.

A number of ex-players have been sounded out about possible roles within the club hierarchy.

Rio Ferdinand has reportedly spoken to Woodward about the vacancy.

But the former United skipper is unlikely to accept the role if offered as he has relocated to the south of England and does not want to move back up north, especially as he has three children aged eight, ten and 12.

Darren Fletcher, Nemanja Vidic and Peter Schmeichel have all spoken to Woodward about being involved in the new football department.

Any delay in appointing a new technical director could have serious implications around the summer transfer policy as United look to bridge the gap between themselves and the top two, Liverpool and Manchester City.

United are in sixth position in the Premier League, 27 points behind the leaders City.

As many as seven players could leave Old Trafford this summer.

United require at least one centre back, a right back, two midfielders and a forward to improve their chances of fighting for major honours next season.