Mike Phelan is set to host his former club Manchester United when they meet in the third round of games in the Premier League.
Phelan used to be the right hand man of Sir Alex Ferguson – United’s former coach. Phelan is currently the caretaker manager of the newly promoted side, Hull City.
City has just 13 players, yet the talented coach in Phelan has guided the squad to four victories. The meagre squad figure is astonishing considering the rigour of the Premier League. The management is working with the manager to add at least six more player before the transfer deadline in a few days.
Steve Bruce was the former manager of the club, bringing them from the Championship to top flight English football, yet he decided to walk away after an altercation with the management. Phelan has always reminded who ever cared to listen that he was not a manager yet.
“I am not a manager at the moment. I guess my career has gone in a roundabout way. But the challenge is great and we have worked really hard here,” Phelan said. So far, Hull has shown decent results, shocking title holders Leicester City in the curtain raiser and showing their dominance when they faced Swansea. Since getting promotion in May during the playoffs, the club hasn’t made any additions.
Phelan used to play for the Red Devils, featuring in more than 100 games. He returned to Old Trafford after hanging up his boots. Coach Ferguson made him his assistant, working with the Scot from 2008 but when Ferguson resigned, next coach David Moyes released him. Phelan worked in the media, waiting for an opportunity. He might become a full fledged manager if the Chinese takeover awaiting approval from the regulatory bodies goes through. He has his former club to contend with for now.