Mike Phelan to take on new Man Utd role after crisis call from Ralf Rangnick

Mike Phelan has been tasked with unifying the Manchester United dressing room by Ralf Rangnick.

Rumours of discontent continue to come from within the club, who lost for the first time under the German against Wolves this week.

Morale at Carrington is at a new low with divisions beginning to form.

Rangnick is concerned about the body language of his players, who have failed to progress on last season's second place finish.

The interim boss recruited sports psychologist Sascha Lense in an attempt to improve the atmosphere on the red half of Manchester, but such moves have not worked out.

United have only won three of their six games since Rangnick arrived with the tactician unable to implement any of the ideas for which he is renowned.

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Luke Shaw spoke candidly after the recent Wolves loss and questioned the motivation of the group.

The Daily Star has now reported that Phelan has been asked by Rangnick to speak to the United squad - both collectively and individually - in an effort to address the current state of affairs.

Phelan, who signed a new contract at Old Trafford recently, worked as a No 2 under Sir Alex Ferguson and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and continues to remain close with key individuals.

Rangnick has bought in new coaches to assist him alongside Phelan, whose position as a result has been cast in to doubt.

The 59-year-old must now play a role however in helping the squad get back on track as they languish in seventh.

Rangnick inherited a raft of problems from the end of the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and is seeking harmony as well as a clear style of playing at Old Trafford.

He claimed after his first defeat that the situation in Manchester has not surprised him.

"I knew it would be difficult," said Rangnick.

"That's the reason they brought me. I knew it wouldn't be easy to find a balance between offensive and defence.

"Today we showed similar problems the team had three or four weeks ago before I arrived. It is not an easy job to develop a DNA with and without the ball. The game today showed there are still quite a few steps to go."

Rangnick's system has come under fire from some pundits with his 4-2-2-2 formation failing to lead to an upturn in performances.

Cristiano Ronaldo's return also continues to split opinion despite his goal return.

With the transfer window this month several players could consider exits with fringe stars like Donny van de Beek among them.