Carrick is set to take his first job in management (Picture: Getty)
Manchester United will allow Mike Phelan to leave the club to reunite with Michael Carrick at Middlesbrough.
Phelan, who previously served as Sir Alex Ferguson’s right-hand man, returned to United as a first-team coach alongside Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2018, later promoted to assistant manager for a second time.
Phelan remained at the club after Solskjaer’s departure last year but his responsibilities were reduced under interim boss Ralf Rangnick and even further under Erik ten Hag.
The 60-year-old is still on United’s payroll despite having no role at Old Trafford since the Dutchman’s arrival in Manchester.
Phelan has kept himself busy with speaking engagements and punditry work but according to The Athletic, the former midfielder is an option to become Carrick’s assistant at the Riverside.
Carrick was also part of the coaching set-up alongside Phelan under Solskjaer and is now set for his first role in management with his appointment at Boro expected to be confirmed in the coming days.
Rene Meulensteen is another former United name in the frame but the Dutchman is reportedly fully committed to Australia’s World Cup campaign, serving as assistant manager to head coach Graham Arnold.
Phelan worked with Carrick for a number of years (Picture: Getty)
United will not stand in Phelan’s way should Middlesbrough make an official approach.
Carrick took the reins at United for three games following Solskjaer’s dismissal last November. The former England international oversaw victories over Villarreal and Arsenal and a draw with Chelsea.
Following his departure from United, Carrick said: ‘My time at this great club will always rank as the best years of my career.
‘When I first signed over 15 years ago, I never in my wildest dreams could have imagined winning so many trophies and I will certainly never forget the fantastic memories both as a player and as a member of the coaching team.
‘I want to place on record my thanks to all of the players and a special mention goes to the backroom staff, working long hours with such a great group of people has been a real pleasure and I have made some long-lasting friendships.
‘I am, and will always be, a Manchester United fan and will come to as many matches as possible.’
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Phelan has no current role at Old Trafford under ten Hag.