Mike Phelan
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| Mike Phelan | ||
| Personal information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Michael Christopher Phelan | |
| Date of birth | September 24, 1962 | |
| Place of birth | Nelson, Lancashire, England | |
| Playing position | First Team Coach | |
| Club information | ||
| Current club | Manchester United | |
| Senior clubs1 | ||
| Years | Club | App (Gls)* |
| 1979-85 1985-89 1989-94 1994-95 |
Burnley Norwich Manchester United West Bromwich Albion |
168 (9) 194 (10) 102 (2) 21 (0) |
| National team | ||
| 1989 | England | 1 (0) |
|
1 Senior club appearances and goals |
||
Michael Christopher Phelan (born September 24, 1962 in Nelson, Lancashire) was an English football player. He was a versatile player equally at home in midfield or defence. Mike is currently employed as Manchester United's First Team Coach, working alongside Sir Alex Ferguson and Carlos Queiroz.
Mike Phelan began his career at Burnley, signing as an associated schoolboy in July 1979, as an apprentice two years later and as a professional in July 1980. He made his league debut in January 1981 against Chesterfield and whilst at Turf Moor would gain England Youth caps and a Third Division champions medal. 168 games for Burnley brought him to Norwich's attention, for whom he signed on 30th May 1985. A strong, influential midfielder was needed if Norwich were to return to the top flight following their relegation to Division Two in May 1985. Phelan lived up to the expectations and Norwich won the Division Two championship in his first season at the club. He became club captain when Steve Bruce joined Manchester United, and led the Canaries to 4th place in Division One in 1988-89 and a place in the FA Cup semi-finals.
He was called into the England squad for the Rous Cup games against Chile and Scotland but did not play due to a hamstring injury. His success drew the attention of larger clubs and he followed Steve Bruce to Old Trafford for £750,000. At Manchester United, he won his first international cap (against Italy) and a FA Cup winner's medal in his first season. This was followed the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1991, the League Cup in 1992, and the Premiership title in 1993 before he dropped down a division to join West Bromwich Albion in 1994.
He returned to Carrow Road in December 1995 as Assistant Manager to Gary Megson. and managed the Norwich Reserves. When Megson was fired and joined Blackpool, Mike followed him returning to his native North-West. He has since accompanied Megson to Stockport County. His career total stands at Burnley (168 league games, 9 goals), Norwich City (194 games, 10 goals), Manchester United (102 games, 2 goals) and West Bromwich Albion (21 games)
Following Megson's sacking as Stockport boss on 25th June 1999, Andy Kilmer took over as manager. Phelan moved on shortly afterwards, taking up a role at Manchester United's Centre of Excellence. With Steve McClaren's departure to Middlesbrough in the summer of 2001, Mike was promoted to first team coach.
