Mike Phelan, left, and Rene Meulensteen fear for their jobs following Sir Alex Ferguson's departure © PA Photos Enlarge

Manchester United's backroom staff are fearful for their futures in the wake of Sir Alex Ferguson's forthcoming retirement as manager this summer.

Assistant manager Mike Phelan and first-team coach Rene Meulensteen are concerned that David Moyes will not want them to carry on at Old Trafford and are yet to receive assurances they will retain their jobs.

Moyes has enjoyed a close working relationship with Steve Round at Everton while Phil Neville, his captain and a former United player, has also been tipped to take a role among his assistants.

However, Neville, 36, has said he plans to extend his playing career, while he may also be a contender to replace Moyes at Goodison Park.

Phelan, who spent five years at United as a player, returned to the club as a coach in 1999 and was promoted to become Ferguson's assistant in 2008 following Carlos Queiroz's departure to manage Portugal.

Meulensteen is in his second spell on Ferguson's coaching staff, interrupted by a brief and unsuccessful stint as Brondby manager, and is particularly highly regarded by the club.

His fellow Dutchman Robin van Persie said in February: "The way he trains is exceptional. He is truly one of the best coaches in the world.

"I have had a lot of good trainers, but it's the way he prepares our team for games. Every match is different, so every training session in the build-up to games is unique.

"We know exactly what to expect and he wins points for us through his training. We've won a lot of games by the odd goal and they are point winners, which we train for."

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