Mike Phelan has given an insight into his current role at Manchester United, revealing he “doesn’t coach as much now as I used to”.
There has been some scrutiny as to what exactly Phelan’s role at Old Trafford is these days, after both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick gave ambiguous answers as to his responsibilities at the club.
Phelan, of course, has a long and successful association with United, having been assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson during the legendary manager’s final years in charge before his retirement.
But much has been made of his current standing within the club, having been retained following Solskjaer’s sacking, while fellow coaches Michael Carrick, Kieran McKenna and Martyn Pert all left of their own accord shortly after.
Some supporters view the 59-year-old as just a cheerleader at the club now, a view which has only grown amid reports Phelan has been tasked with unifying the dressing room after suggestions players weren’t happy with Rangnick’s methods.
Phelan though has given more background to his role, hinting why Rangnick recently revealed he isn’t involved in training sessions.
“I don’t coach as much now as I used to because there are a few different coaches (at United),” Phelan said in quotes run by The Athletic from a coaching demonstration in the autumn.
“What I do is analyse the coaches that come up.”
Reflecting on his time as a coach, Phelan added: “When I was coaching I did go over my sessions. Was I getting what I wanted? Or why didn’t I get it? Sometimes you put a session on and it just flows. Wow. You don’t have to step in too much. But you analyse that as to why it did flow well.
“Then there are areas where it could be better. You say, ‘Where can I take that session? Do I add a bit, take a bit out?’. I’ve had sessions where five or six things are going on — fitness, skill, finishing, technical — when really I only needed two. So you separate.
“Gone are the days when I get angry at certain things. I still do, but it’s a little bit more calculated than it was before. I am more responsible now for analysing the game, giving a clearer view, than just lecture.
“I’m tired after watching a game. I feel as if I’ve played three games. I need a glass of wine and something to eat. But it is non-stop. As soon as you finish the game, it’s hard to look back because you’re onto the next one. So we’ve got to keep moving on.”
Phelan looks set to remain at Old Trafford for the immediate future, having signed a new deal back in October which will keep him at the club until 2024.
It remains to be seen what role he will take on when a new permanent manager is appointed in the summer.
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