Phelan leaves Manchester United after Moyes arrival
David Moyes started his Manchester United overhaul on Friday as the club’s new manager parted company with coaches Mike Phelan and Eric Steele.
Phelan had been a long-serving assistant to United’s former boss Alex Ferguson, who retired after nearly 27 years in charge at the end of the season, while Steele had worked as goalkeeping coach at Old Trafford since 2008.
But both have been told they will be released by Moyes, who wants to bring several of his own backroom staff with him from Everton.
“I would like to put on record the club’s thanks for everything Mike and Eric have done,” Moyes said.
“I will be looking to appoint my own members of coaching staff at some point in the future, however, I’d like to take this opportunity to give them both our best wishes for their future careers.”
Former United midfielder Phelan first joined Ferguson’s staff as a youth team coach in 1999 and eventually replaced Carlos Queiroz as the Scot’s assistant in 2008.
Steele was installed as goalkeeping coach in 2008 as replacement for Tony Coton and had been credited with reviving the career of David de Gea after the Spaniard’s early struggles in goal for United.
Moyes is reported to be keen to bring Everton goalkeeping coach Chris Woods to Old Trafford to replace Steele, with his Toffees’ coach Steve Round likely to step in for Phelan.
He also wants veteran coach Jimmy Lumsden to work with him at the Premier League champions.
United’s Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward added: “I’d like to thank Eric and Mick for the enormous contributions they have made to the success of Manchester United in their time here. Their professionalism, ability and diligence have been a credit to them.
“They are top class football men and everyone here wishes them well for long and successful careers in the game.”
