Mike Phelan 'to stay on as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer assistant'

Manchester United reportedly expect Mike Phelan to remain as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's assistant manager beyond the end of the season.

The Red Devils confirmed on Thursday morning that Solskjaer is to stay on as manager for a further three years after his impressive three-month interim stint.

Phelan has also played a big part in United's improved form since mid-December, and the Manchester Evening News claims that the club want him to continue as part of the backroom team.

However, United must first negotiate a package with Central Coast Mariners as Phelan is still contracted to them as their sporting director.

Having previously spent 12 years at Old Trafford as first-team coach under Sir Alex Ferguson, five of those as the legendary manager's right-hand man, Phelan knows the club inside out and Solskjaer is equally keen to get him signed up.