Mike Phelan wants structural insurance before agreeing to stay as No. 2 Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Mike Phelan asks for badurances on Manchester United's management structure before agreeing to stay as No. 2 Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Phelan should follow Solskjaer by signing a long-term contract with Old Trafford after playing a crucial role in United's rebirth since returning to the club in December.

But more than a week after the United director's final installation, Phelan is still pondering his position after Wednesday's talks in Carrington.

He seems to understand that the complicated management and recruiting system in place at United since his departure following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013 is causing concern.

Aged 56, he would prefer a less complicated setup and would like to establish a clearer line of communication between the coaching team and the Old Trafford hierarchy.

Similarly, Solskjaer was surprised by United's inflated recruitment network, which now has 58 recruiters worldwide – a situation that preoccupied its predecessor Jose Mourinho.

United hopes to solve some of these problems by appointing a technical director before the start of next season and Phelan has been discussed as a potential candidate.

He would prefer to retain his current involvement in the team first, but is ready to play a bigger role around Carrington's where he decides to stay.

Phelan remains sports director of Central Coast Mariners and said during a trip to Australia at last week's international break that he was in no hurry to cut his ties with the club.

"Everything is at stake for the moment but I would certainly keep my interest in the Mariners," he said.

United appreciates the experience and skill of Ferguson's former No. 2 at a time when the club is undergoing what has been described behind the scenes as a "cultural reset".

Solskjaer and Phelan were recognized for having restored the culture that existed for many years under Ferguson and the technical director should also be a person with ties to United.

Solskjaer said earlier this week that he was optimistic. Phelan would accept a contract with Executive Vice President Ed Woodward, calling him a "vital member of the club".

He also told the players that the training would remain in place, which means that Mark Dempsey, former United midfielder, who was his badistant at Molde and Cardiff, should stay after his return to Christmas.