Mike Phelan a favourite 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… despite his disastrous spell in a similar role in Australia.

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.

The report adds that Solskjaer will give Phelan his backing for the senior job due to their good working relationship and a belief that he understands where the squad needs strengthening.

Phelan is understood to be among the favourites and would likely be a popular choice at the club having formed good relationships having spent 12 years working under Sir Alex Ferguson.

DODGY CV

However, Phelan has some experience in a similar role but it didn’t go brilliantly.

He was technical director of Central Coast Mariners who finished bottom of the A-League this season.

Phelan was appointed by the Aussie side in July last year before he left to answer Solskjaer’s SOS.

Ed Woodward, United’s executive vice-chairman, has been on the look out for bodies to fill the new structure after he sacked Mourinho in December.

The Special One was a hindrance to the changes, believing it would threaten his authority.

The club is understood to want to hire someone with Old Trafford links or is in tune with their traditions and history – making Phelan an ideal candidate.

A number of ex-players have been sounded out with Rio Ferdinand among those who has spoken with Woodward.

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