Manchester United

Manchester United announce Mike Phelan departure

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 24 May 2013

Manchester United confirm that assistant manager Mike Phelan and goalkeeping coach Eric Steele have left the club ahead of David Moyes's arrival.

Manchester United have confirmed that assistant manager Mike Phelan has left the club after five years as Sir Alex Ferguson's right-hand man.

Reports emerged today suggesting that incoming manager David Moyes was looking to clear out the current backroom team and bring in his own staff as he prepares to embark on a new career at Old Trafford following Ferguson's retirement.

The North-West outfit, who bade farewell to Ferguson after a glittering 26-year career at the end of the season, have also parted company with goalkeeping coach Eric Steele.

Moyes said in a statement: "I would like to put on record the club's thanks for everything Mike and Eric have done. 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."

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."

It has been reported that Moyes is considering bringing Everton first-team coach Jimmy Lumsden with him when he starts work with the Premier League champions.