MANCHESTER // Manchester United have ended a two-month search for a new assistant to manager Sir Alex Ferguson by appointing former player Mike Phelan as his right-hand man today. Phelan steps up from his role as first-team coach to replace Carlos Queiroz, who quit the Red Devils to take charge of the Portuguese national team. Rene Meulensteen will fill the position of first-team coach.
"I am delighted that Mick and Rene have agreed to fill these important positions," Ferguson said. "Mick knows Manchester United inside out, having been associated with the club for the best part of 20 years. "He is a very talented and professional coach, whose ability and contribution to the club's success has often been understated." Phelan played more than 100 games in five years at United, earning a Premier League winners' medal in 1993.
The defensive midfielder, who also played occasionally at fullback, stayed with United for another year but did not make enough appearances to warrant another medal and was omitted from the squad for the FA Cup final. *AP