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Mike Phelan on Man Utd's Best Game Under Ole Gunnar Solskjær & Most Complete Player He's Coached

​Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan has revealed which game he considers to be the team's best performance under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and what has impressed him most since returning to the club, as well as addressing a number of other topics during a recent Q&A. 

Phelan had worked under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson as his assistant manager since 2008, but he left the club in the summer of 2013. However, following the appointment of Solskjaer on an interim basis, he opted to restore Phelan to his former role. 

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The ​United assistant manager has now taken part in a Q&A session on the ​official Twitter account of the Manchester FA. The 57-year-old was questioned on what he has been most impressed by since returning to the club. In response, Phelan explained that there is now a sense of hunger and desire for the club to get back to where they belong, while there is also a positive energy within the dressing room. 

He said: "I think what's impressed me the most is the coming together of people who want to do better again. Suddenly, people have found something to smile about again - there's a general uplift and sense of goodwill around the place."

Another user questioned Phelan on how different it is working with Solskjaer as a manger than it was as a player. The Englishman explained that the Norwegian is now focused on achieving success as a collective. He said: "Obviously, I think Ole is now more thoughtful as a team manager than when he was an individual player. 


"He’s now more sharing with the group. He’s gone from being an individual to someone who thrives off sharing with others and wanting to win as a team."


Phelan also went on to add in response to another question: "He [Solskjaer] gives the players the freedom to express themselves. He wants the players on the field to enjoy themselves, and express themselves - just as Sir Alex did."

Regarding the Red Devils' best game under Solskjaer, many perhaps would have expected Phelan to say that night in Paris. But instead, he revealed that the 1-0 away win over ​Tottenham in January 2019 was 'brilliant', while the win[s] against ​Manchester City this season also 'really stands out'.  


Some users opted to ask more general questions, rather than focusing solely on Solskjaer's tenure. One user was curious who the most complete footballer Phelan has ever coached is - and the assistant only had one man in mind. 


Ryan Giggs. 

"If you want complete, look no further than Ryan Giggs. He had everything in his play," Phelan remarked. 


Elsewhere, in response to a question regarding the three hardest-working players Phelan has coached in training, he listed Paul Scholes, ​Cristiano Ronaldo and Juan Sebastian Veron. 


Phelan was also asked to weigh in on the eternal Cristiano Ronaldo-Lionel Messi debate. Who's the GOAT? 


Well, Phelan of course went for the Portuguese, having worked with him. 


Source : 90min