Manchester United set to appoint their first-ever technical director

Ed Woodward is set to appoint Mike Phelan as Manchester United’s first-ever technical director. The 56-year-old served as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant for five years before the Scot’s retirement in 2013 and returned to the club in December to help Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in his role as interim boss. The Norwegian has leaned heavily on Phelan and his appointment will represent a seazable structural change at Old Trafford. Phelan’s move upstairs will see Michael Carrick promoted into the assistant manager’s role, while Kieran McKenna is also expected to assume greater responsibility on Solskjaer’s staff. Liverpool and Man City both have sporting directors charged with running the football side of the clubs, something that Jose Mourinho was resistant to during his time in the Old Trafford dugout. However, it looks like Executive Vice-Chairman Ed Woodward has decided to introduce the role and Phelan will be appointed in the nearest future.

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