Why has Miracle Man Mike Phelan not been named Hull City manager?

He’s already led his side to six unlikely points this season with just 13 recognised first-team players during a crisis summer which has seen no activity in the transfer market and the departure of former boss Steve Bruce. So why hasn’t Mike Phelan been given the permanent job at Hull City?

One quick look at some of the names linked with the current vacancy at the KCOM Stadium will tell you that Phelan isn’t necessarily in overwhelming company.

Yes, Chris Coleman historically led Wales to their first ever semi-final at a major event in France this summer, but his record at club level would surely be of concern to Tigers’ fans, while Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill is unlikely to leave his post any time soon.

Though Phelan has no managerial experience to speak of – having spent a large part of his career underneath Sir Alex Ferguson as his assistant at Manchester United – there’s no disputing the potential he has to lead his own team.

In fact, back in 2013, Phelan reportedly claimed he played a large role in proceedings at Old Trafford, stating: “That’s what I’ve been doing for the last five years, albeit with the title of assistant boss.”

‘He [Ferguson] was the head of the establishment, there’s no doubt about it and rightly so. He didn’t get to where he’s got through not being a big decision maker but he’ll be the first to admit that a lot of people played their part in that.

Perhaps one thing holding back a decision on the next boss is the expected takeover at the Yorkshire-based club.

And given that nobody has came out and confirmed that Phelan will permanently be in charge, regardless of his incredible start to this campaign (one which Hull haven’t matched in the league since their 2004-05 campaign in the third tier of English football), that can only suggest that the potential new owners may be eyeing up another man to take charge.

But should Phelan and Hull keep their good form going, it would be hard to send the caretaker boss packing.

Up next for the Tigers in the league is the visit of Man United to the KCOM Stadium – and isn’t it just fitting that Phelan’s old club could play a key role in his managerial future in the Premier League?

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.