Mike Phelan's views on Man Utd future - formation, philosophy and "superstar" signings
Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan has been handed a new contract as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s No.2.
The 59-year-old has been Solskjaer’s right-hand man since May 2019 and was first-team coach when Solskjaer came in as caretaker manager in December 2018.
Phelan’s previous deal was due to expire next year, but it is understood he has now agreed renewed terms to keep him at Old Trafford until the end of the 2023/24 season.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s former assistant, who also had a brief managerial stint at Hull City, brings a wealth of experience to the role and has been viewed as something of an unsung hero in United’s rebuild.
He also brings about some clear ideas regarding certain areas of the team and club that he has publicly spoken about previously.
Formation
Early on in Solskjaer’s reign, United tinkered in order to try and find the best fit for their squad.
They experimented with a 3-5-2 formation midway through the 2019/20 season, beating Manchester City in their final game before the Premier League season was suspended.
However, when action returned they deployed a more attacking 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 system which has remained in place - and that appears to be Phelan’s preference.
Writing on Twitter last April, Phelan has had his say on which formation is best-suited to United's players, stating: ”I like the 3-4-3, which is unusual in the game at the moment.
“But the 4-3-3 we're using at the moment suits us quite well, given the players we have at the club.
"Coaches always have to be flexible to understand a system - and knowing when to change it.
"The games where we've switched to a 3-5-2 has shown our flexibility.
"I think for the game at Chelsea - we wanted two forwards, and without playing a 4-4-2. We got the most out of the players, and they seemed to enjoy it.”
Philosophy
Mike Phelan had not long returned to United when he attended the premier of the Busby film.
Speaking to the press, he outlined that Solskjaer should follow the philosophy set out by Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson regarding United’s focus on youth.
“Whether you're young or more senior, then you understand certain things and understand that Sir Matt Busby was really the instigator of what we're seeing now at the football club.
“Sir Alex himself would say that he carried on certain traditions, but put his own little brand and style on it, and I think, going forward, that's what Ole will try and do as well.
“I think they're shown quite a bit when they're in the academy system,” Phelan added regarded the history and heritage of the club.
“I think the academy do follow those traditions and they do tell them a lot about the history of the football club.
“When you get more senior players into the club, I think they quickly pick up the baton, really, because it surrounds them every day.
“They understand what that red shirt means to them, what wearing that badge means to them, and they buy into the history and the tradition pretty quickly.”
“Superstar” signings
Despite a focus on youngsters, Phelan recognises the need for “superstar” signings - which have appeared in the form of Raphael Varane, Jason Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo this summer.
Speaking to the Evening Standard in December 2019, he said: "I think there has got to be a blend. I think Manchester United still do want superstars, but I think they still want to see them coming through and progressing and being part of something special.
“The fans are changing all the time. We’ve got senior fans, old age pensioners, young fans, but it’s become far more global than it’s ever been and I think all those people understand what Manchester United is all about otherwise they wouldn’t support them.
“They don’t just support them for the superstars, they support them because they can embrace the whole tradition of the football club.
"I think the present crop of youngsters - and there are more than what they are seeing right now - I think the academy are doing is some really good work.
“What they’ve got in a manager in Ole is someone that will give them every opportunity to play, which is great."
Premier League title
Phelan’s ultimate goal is the same as everyone involved at Old Trafford - to win the Premier League.
Speaking to the Mail on Sunday at the start of this season, he insisted that goal is not a “fantasy” and could be within reach.
“I don't think it's fantasy. That is what we are in the job to do,” said Phelan.
“I remember my time before we won anything. People would say 'You're not as good as that George Best team'. It is amazing how quickly it dispersed once we'd started winning.
“Beating Crystal Palace in the FA Cup gave us a definite surge. When we won the league, there were tears from supporters, guys on the street, in the boardroom. It was unbelievable.
“There are similarities with where we are now. I do believe Man United can win something, When? I am not a fortune teller.”
