Former Manchester United assistant Mike Phelan has no concerns about the dynamic between Erik ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Red Devils boss Ten Hag was seen in what appeared to be a heated discussion with Van Nistelrooy, his assistant, during the second half of United’s 0-0 draw against Aston Villa last Sunday.
Although it was a much-needed point for United, the result meant Ten Hag had broken his own record for the club’s worst start to a campaign in 35 years.
Despite the grim statistic, Ten Hag has avoided the sack, at least for now, after United’s leadership group convened on Tuesday at co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s office in Knightsbridge, London.
But should United swing the axe, Van Nistelrooy, who was brought onto Ten Hag’s staff in the summer, looms as the man to replace him, if only on an interim basis.
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Given the intense nature of the pair’s conversation during the Villa match, it prompted some fans to question if there was tension between them.
Phelan, who was a member of Sir Alex Ferguson‘s coaching staff for 12 years, as well as serving as assistant to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, is better positioned than most to comment on the dynamics of the manager and assistant manager’s relationship.
The 62-year-old acknowledged every boss and coaching staff will have their unique ways of operating, and felt this was just another example.
“Right now, when you see a coach or a manager, or three coaches they have on the touchline now, talking away, you see a lot more of the intricacies of discussion,” Phelan said on talkSPORT’s Inside Devils.
“Sometimes that can be volatile, sometimes that can be quite peaceful because everyone’s got a different take on what they’re possibly seeing.”
Phelan added: “You can read into it what you wish. But I think whatever the dynamic is at Manchester United, that’s been chosen by the strategists, the people above. Certainly the manager will have a say in who he wants his staff to be.
“Some supporters like an animated manager, some people like a quiet manager. You’re never going to win that battle because everyone wants something a little different. But it makes great entertainment on the TV.”
Although Phelan has not worked with Ten Hag before, he has a strong insight on Van Nistelrooy given he was a coach during the striker’s stint at Old Trafford.
The 48-year-old banged in 150 goals from 219 games for the Red Devils and helped them win a Premier League title, an FA Cup and a League Cup.
Phelan labelled Van Nistelrooy an ‘outstanding’ player and a ‘legend’ of the club but made an interesting observation about his character, although the former coach noted it is a trait common with strikers.
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“He’s (Van Nistelrooy) found himself at a football club that even he possibly would say was completely different to when he left it,” Phelan said.
“The talk about is Ruud potentially the next manager, who knows? There’s already a manager in place and you can only that question as it arises.
“But Ruud was very individual as a player. Very, very individual as all centre forwards have to be. They’re ruthless.”
Ten Hag has jetted off for a brief holiday during the international break, but once he returns it will be all hands on deck as he looks to drag United up the table.
The Red Devils return to action on October 19 with a tricky home fixture against Brentford before a box office trip to Fenerbahce, managed by former United boss Jose Mourinho, on October 24.
