Manchester United fans should breathe a sigh of relief for now: Rene Meulensteen is yet to leave the club.
Dutch coach Meulensteen has been taking United’s training sessions for the past few seasons, and was Alex Ferguson’s trusted tactical deputy.
He is widely regarded as being responsible for United’s technical excellence, and is highly thought of in European football circles.
And so it came as a universal shock when it was reported that new United manager, David Moyes, did not deem Meulensteen necessary after taking over from Fergie at Old Trafford.
It has been suggested that former United player, Phil Neville, will take Meulensteen’s place as first-team coach at the club.
But while Meulensteen has subsequently been linked to the soon-to-be vacant manager’s job at Wigan, he insists that reports of his exit from United are inaccurate at this stage.
"So far I will report [to work at United] on July 1,” Meulensteen told ELF Voetbal.
“I am still under contract at the club. I didn't step down, and also I was not sacked by Manchester United. I am still employed."
The way Moyes has seemingly replaced the backroom staff at United with familiar faces from his Everton days has caused debate amongst United supporters, who wonder if Moyes' old colleagues have the winning background required to succeed at United.
And so they will be relieved when Meulensteen arrives back at the club to carry on his good work, and they will hope he stays.
