November 23, (THEWILL) – After recently rewarding Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s coaching staff with new contracts, Manchester United now faces the potential of paying millions in cash to them as the Old Trafford side prepares for a charge of guard.
Mike Phelan signed a new contract last month, and Michael Carrick, who is currently in control of the team until a permanent manager is found, is also expected to sign a new contract, along with first team coach Kieran McKenna and goalie coach Richard Hartis.
They latter pair signed fresh three-year contracts just three weeks before Solskjaer was fired.
United has been chastised by their own fans for their lack of foresight and forward planning, and these contracts are yet another indication of how the football side at Old Trafford is failing in its management responsibilities.
When Solskjaer’s successor is named, he or she will almost definitely bring their own coaching staff with them, effectively ending the careers of United mainstays such as Phelan and Carrick. Compensation will have to be provided while they are being kicked out, which could cost United a lot of money.
The Red Devils have been connected with a number of managers in recent weeks, but it appears that Mauricio Pochettino of Paris Saint-Germain has the most backing from the Glazer family. If United made an approach, both the Argentine and Brendan Rodgers would be willing to leave PSG and Leicester, respectively depending on which United settles for.
For the time being, Carrick and Phelan will be given an opportunity to turn things around, and United are open to giving them more time in charge if outcomes improve.
United’s first match in the post-Solskjaer era takes place on Tuesday against Villarreal in the Champions League, where a win would go a long way toward strengthening their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages in a close Group F, where they are neck and neck on seven points with Unai Emery’s side.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
