Rene relishing new role

Rene Meulensteen is relishing his new role as first team coach at Old Trafford and is grateful to Sir Alex Ferguson for the opportunity.

The Dutch coach succeeded Mike Phelan, who was promoted to assistant manager, last week following the summer departure of Carlos Queiroz.

Meulensteen joined the Reds in 2001 as Technical Skills Development Officer, before being promoted to Reserve Team manager in 2005.

His impact was immediately evident, with United's second string putting together some stunning football en route to a treble of FA Premier Reserve League Shield, the Premier Reserve League North and the Manchester Senior Cup.

After a brief stint managing Brondby for the first half of the 2006/07 season, he returned to Old Trafford to work with the first team and was eventually handed his new role.

"It's nice that Sir Alex has seen what I can do over the years with my approach and ideas about football that can add something to a club like Manchester United," he told Voetbal International. "That gives me a lot of satisfaction.

"The collaboration with Mike Phelan is excellent and Sir Alex has also noticed that. He did not need to bring someone else in from outside. In this way, the stability and continuity within the organisation is also guaranteed.

"I am now involved with everything around the first team in an intensive way. I think actively about the tactics, the team selection and have my share in the discussions."