MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly still paying Mike Phelan a salary – despite him leaving at the end of last season.
Former assistant Phelan, 60, is an Old Trafford icon after serving under legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
He returned to the dugout when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got the United job.
And Phelan continued to serve during Ralf Rangnick̢۪s time as interim manager.
But despite not forming part of Erik ten Hag̢۪s backroom staff, the signing a contract in October 2021.
The lucrative deal runs until June 2024, with final severance yet to be agreed.
And United are also yet to find him a new role despite holding several talks over an ambassadorial position.
In the meantime, Phelan has reportedly been working as a pundit while also coaching via his Sensible Soccer company.
However, he could now be heading back into the beautiful game with struggling Middlesbrough.
The Championship side are looking to make Old Trafford favourite Michael Carrick their new boss.
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And the ex-England anchorman wants Phelan to join as his No2.
United will not block their former assistant from making the move to the Riverside.
Carrick could also move for another former Red Devil in Rene Meulensteen.
But he is currently preparing for the World Cup as Australia̢۪s assistant manager.
