United, Sir Alex, and Me

MANCHESTER UNITED enjoyed their greatest era under Sir Alex Ferguson and for a glory-laden period during his reign, René Meulensteen was one of his closest aides.

Meulensteen was a first-team coach at United between 2007 and 2013, during which time United won five Premier Leagues, a Champions League and a FIFA World Club Cup title.

Starting his journey in a provincial region of Holland, Meulensteen fought to establish himself as a coach with visionary methods and landed a role overseeing the youth system at Old Trafford.

Working with legends in the making like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs, he went on to play a key part in the emergence of Cristiano Ronaldo and the arrival of Robin van Persie.

Now, ten years on from his departure, he is lifting the lid on the inner workings of Carrington for the first time and revealing the stories and secrets that shaped the most glittering era in British football history.

From life as Ferguson’s assistant to managing in his own right, Meulensteen’s story is both enlightening and inspiring.