Former Manchester United assistant relaxed about Erik ten Hag-Ruud van Nistelrooy dynamic after viral video

Former Manchester United assistant Mike Phelan is not worried about the dynamic between Erik ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy.

chief of the red devils ten witches was seen in what appeared to be a heated argument with Van Nistelrooy, his assistant, during the second half of United's 0-0 draw against Aston Villa last Sunday.

Although it was a much-needed point for United, the result meant that Ten Hag had broken his own record for the club's worst start to a campaign in 35 years.

Despite the grim statistic, Ten Hag has avoided dismissal, at least for now, after United's leadership group met at the co-ownership meeting on Tuesday. Sir Jim RatcliffeOffice in Knightsbridge, London.

But should United move the axe, Van Nistelrooy, who was brought into Ten Hag's staff in the summer, appears as the man to replace him, if only on an interim basis.

Given the intense nature of the pair's conversation during the Villa match, some fans wondered if there was tension between them.

Phelan, who was a member of Sir Alex FergusonThe team's coaching staff of 12 years, as well as having been Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's assistant, are better placed than most to comment on the dynamics of the relationship between coach and assistant manager.

The 62-year-old acknowledged that each boss and coaching staff will have their unique ways of operating and felt this was just another example.

“Right now, when you see a coach or a manager, or three coaches they have on the touchline, talking, you see a lot more complexities of the discussion,” Phelan said on talkSPORT's Inside Devils.

“Sometimes that can be volatile, sometimes it can be quite peaceful because everyone has a different view of what they're possibly seeing.”

Phelan added: “You can read into it what you want. But I think whatever the dynamics are manchester unitedThat has been chosen by the strategists, the people at the top. The manager will certainly have a say in who he wants his staff to be.

“Some fans like a lively coach, other people like a calm coach. You're never going to win that battle because everyone wants something a little different. But it's great entertainment on television.”

Although Phelan has not worked with Ten Hag before, he has a keen view of Van Nistelrooy having been a coach during the striker's time at Old Trafford.

The 48-year-old scored 150 goals in 219 games for the Red Devils and helped them win a Premier League title, FA Cup and League Cup.

Phelan called Van Nistelrooy an “outstanding” player and a “legend” of the club, but made an interesting observation about his character, although the former coach noted that it is a common trait among forwards.

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“He (Van Nistelrooy) found himself at a football club that even he would possibly say was completely different to when he left,” Phelan said.

“There is talk of Ruud as a potential next coach, who knows? There is already a coach and you can only ask that question as it comes up.

“But Ruud was a very individual player. Very, very individual, as all centre-forwards should be. They are ruthless.”

Ten Hag jetted off for a short holiday during the international break, but once he returns it will be all hands on deck as he looks to drag United to the top of the table.

The Red Devils return to action on October 19 with a tough home game against Brentford before a blockbuster trip to Fenerbahce, managed by former United manager José Mourinho, on October 24.