Gutted would probably be a good way of describing most United fans’ feelings over Carlos Queiroz leaving the club. He was set to be the man to replace Sir Alex Ferguson, and for a whole host of reasons, he’s was very important to the club.

We have been linked to some rather high profile replacements for the Assistant Manager’s job, which I felt was crucial. To aid the transition after Ferguson leaving, we needed a good quality assistant to come in, learn the ropes, then hopefully take over from Fergie when he retires.

It won’t come as any surprise to you then to know that I am very disappointed Mike Phelan has been given the job.

Phelan has been awarded the job today with Rene Meulensteen earning a promotion from technical skills development officer to take on Phelan’s former role, and Ferguson seems happy.

“I am delighted that Mick and Rene have agreed to fill these important positions,” Ferguson said. “Mick knows Manchester United inside out, having been associated with the club for the best part of 20 years. He is a very talented and professional coach, whose ability and contribution to the club’s success has often been understated. Rene brings different ideas and experience to the role of first team coach. I believe the two will provide an excellent team to continue the club’s willingness to try new ideas and constantly drive for success in an increasingly competitive game.”

Whilst I think it is very important we have people with strong connections to the club, like Phelan has, in our back room staff, I was looking for a lot more experience in the man who took over from Queiroz. To think that our last assistant was deemed good enough to manage a nation like Portugal speaks volumes, and only highlights what Phelan is lacking.

Phelan followed Steve Bruce to United from Norwich, with Fergie forking out £750,000 for the right sided player back in 1989. He collected a few winners medals with United but left the club in 1995 when competition for places got too great for him.

He returned 6 years later though, working as a first team coach after Steve McClaren had moved on to Middlesbrough, and has spent the past 7 years working with our players. Yes, that’s great, and I am more than appreciate to have staff like that at Carrington. However, I wanted Queiroz’s replacement to be someone who could replace Fergie. It would give them a couple of years to settle in, get to know the players and the Manchester United ‘way’, before Fergie set off. There is no way Phelan is of the quality to take on the position of manager.

So, all in all, not too chuffed. You?