Manchester United appoint Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's assistant manager | OneFootball

It looks like Mike Phelan will not be the new technical director of Manchester United.

That’s because the 56-year-old has been confirmed as the assistant manager to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the next three years.

A former United player, Phelan spent five years as assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford before the legendary Scot’s retirement in 2013.

He went on to work as part of Norwich City’s backroom staff before becoming the short-lived manager of Hull City in 2016.

After a short spell as sporting director at A-League club Central Coast Mariners, Phelan returned to United as assistant to caretaker boss Solskjaer last December.

And like Solskjaer, he has now been handed the role on a permanent basis.

“I am thrilled to be back as assistant manager,” Phelan told the club’s official website.

“Manchester United has been a huge part of my life since I joined as a player in 1989 and I am delighted to be able to continue that relationship in this key role.

”Since returning in December, I have enjoyed working with Ole, Michael, Kieran, Mark and Emilio and we are all focused on preparing for the new season.”

Solskjaer added: “Mike is a great person to have around and has been invaluable to me since we returned in December. He brings a wealth of experience to this role with a long established connection to the club.

“We have a good group of coaching staff and we are already working on the challenges that lie ahead as we plan for the new season and the future beyond.”