Manchester United still pay Mike Phelan despite the fact that the football manager has not worked for the club since last season.
This new revelation comes as Phelan is seen as a legitimate target for Michael Carrick, who is close to taking over as Middlesbrough boss.
Carrick is interested in bringing Phelan on as his assistant. Phelan coached him for seven years as a player before the two worked together in the backroom of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
According to The Athletic, United will not stand in the way of Carrick and Middlesbrough if they choose to pursue their interest.
“There has been a period of a restrictive agreement for Phelan to take a new job in football, but he has not worked for United since the end of last season when he supported caretaker manager Ralf Rangnick.
“However, Phelan has still been paid his salary in a contract signed in October 2021 because a final severance package or new role has not yet been agreed upon.”
“Talks have taken place over an ambassadorial position for Phelan, who has won 15 major trophies in 21 years as a player and manager at the club, given his long association with United and that option is still there.”
Since reducing his roles at Old Trafford, Phelan has been busy with experts, talks and coaching through his company.
A solution for the Red Devils could be to reach an agreement with Phelan on the remaining time on salary. His contract expires in 2024.
Typically, as with players, this exercise would involve United paying a lump sum to Phelan in return for a lower overall financial contribution, but with managers, a monthly payment could be made until another opportunity is secured at another place.
Beyond Phelan, Carrick is also interested in the services of Rene Meulensteen.
However, Meulensteen is focusing on the World Cup with Australia, where he currently serves as assistant to head coach Graham Arnold.
