Mike Phelan is still taking home a salary from Manchester United, despite no longer being part of the club's first-team coaching staff and could continue to receive payment from the club until 2024.
The 60-year-old, who played in United's first ever Premier League title-winning side in the 1992-93 season, has been involved on the coaching side under a number of managers. The former Hull manager extended his deal until 2024 before current manager Erik ten Hag took the reins, and remains on the club's books despite his role changing.
After serving under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick last season, Phelan was linked with an ambassadorial role after Ten Hag's appointment. The current manager has appointed his own staff, with Alex Ferguson's former assistant Steve McClaren among those to move to Old Trafford, but Phelan has remained in limbo while continuing to be paid by the club.
According to The Athletic, Phelan has yet to agree a new role with United but the club have also yet to reach terms on a severance payment. This means he has continued to take home a wage while waiting to see what comes next, though a role as a club ambassador has not been entirely ruled out.
Another option, according to the same report, is a role at Middlesbrough. Former United midfielder Michael Carrick is poised to take over as manager at the Riverside Stadium, and is said to have considered Phelan and former Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen as potential assistants.
While Phelan continues to wait on his next role, the monthly pay packet is still hitting his bank account. This could remain the case until 2024 if no severance agreement or new role are agreed, though United are said to be unlikely to stand in the way if Phelan looks to follow Carrick to Teesside.
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Back in January, it appeared as though Phelan's coaching responsibilities were already changing. In another Athletic report, comments from the ex-player shed a bit more light on his role.
"I don’t coach as much now as I used to because there are a few different coaches," he said. "When I was coaching I did go over my sessions. Was I getting what I wanted? Or why didn’t I get it?
"Gone are the days when I get angry at certain things. I still do, but it’s a little bit more calculated than it was before. I am more responsible now for analysing the game, giving a clearer view, than just lecture.
"I’m tired after watching a game. I feel as if I’ve played three games. I need a glass of wine and something to eat.
"But it is non-stop. As soon as you finish the game, it’s hard to look back because you’re onto the next one. So we’ve got to keep moving on."
