Mike Phelan joins growing list of struggling Sir Alex Ferguson proteges

Arguably the best manager in football history but it has not been same story for his proteges, Mike Phelan’s exit from Hull is yet another addition to what is turning into an unhappy list of Sir Alex Ferguson proteges who have found management in the major league far more difficult than their old boss since his retirement in 2013.

Phelan lasted just 24 games at Hull, but that was more than old colleague Rene Meulensteen, who got only 17 games at Fulham before he was axed in 2014.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got 30 games in charge of Cardiff and survived relegation in 2014, only to lose his job early in the following season.

And Gary Neville was 28 games into his stint as Valencia boss last year when he was sacked.

Meulensteen – 17 games 4 wins. Win percentage: 23.53%

Solskjaer – 30 games 9 wins. Win percentage: 30.00%

Neville – 28 games 10 wins. Win percentage: 35.70%

Phelan – 24 games 6 wins. Win percentage: 25.00%