Union hire ex-United youth coach Meulensteen as team consultant

Published Nov. 14, 2014 12:15 p.m. ET

foxsports

CHESTER, Pa. --

Former Sir Alex Ferguson assistant Rene Meulensteen has been hired as a consultant by Major League Soccer's Philadelphia Union.

The 50-year-old was a youth coach at United under Ferguson from 2001-06 and also coached the reserves. He briefly coached Brondby in Denmark, then returned to Old Trafford as a Ferguson assistant.

When Ferguson retired after the 2012-13 season, Meulensteen became an assistant to Guus Hiddink at Russia's Anzhi Makhachkala, then took over as head coach when Hiddink left. But Meulensteen was fired after 16 days.

Meulensteen replaced Martin Jol as Fulham's manager in December, then was fired in February by the Cottagers, who were relegated.

Philadelphia announced his hiring Friday.