René Meulensteen

Early career

While still playing, Meulensteen became a youth coach at NEC. In June 2006, he signed a three-year contract with Danish club Brøndby to become manager of the club, but resigned after six months. On 18 January 2007, Meulensteen rejoined Manchester United as technical skills development coach mainly to work with the first team. After the departure in July 2008 of their assistant manager, Carlos Queiroz to Portugal as their national team manager, Meulensteen took over as first team coach, with Mike Phelan being promoted to assistant manager. Both assumed their new roles on 13 August 2008. During his time as first-team coach, he helped Sir Alex Ferguson secure the Premier League title in 2008–09, 2010–11 and 2012–13; the Community Shield in 2008, 2010, 2011, the League Cup in 2008–09 and 2009–10; the UEFA Champions League in 2007–08 and FIFA Club World Cup in 2008. Manchester United confirmed his departure from the club on 26 June 2013, after incoming manager David Moyes decided to bring in his own coaching team. On 1 July 2013, Meulensteen signed a contract with Anzhi Makhachkala, joining Guus Hiddink as an assistant coach. Hiddink left Anzhi after only two games into the 2013–14 Russian Premier League season, allowing Meulensteen to step up to head coach. After 16 days in charge, Meulensteen was sacked and replaced by Gadzhi Gadzhiyev.

Fulham

Meulensteen returned to England in November 2013 to take up a coaching position under Martin Jol at…

On 3 August 2026, Meulensteen was appointed as Stockport County's inaugural Director of Football Methodology, a newly created role. The club said he would oversee the implementation of a unified football philosophy across all levels, from the academy to the first team.

Meulensteen's daughter Pien is a television presenter and reporter in the UK, whilst his son Melle is also a footballer.

Manager

Al-Ittihad

Qatar Crown Prince Cup: 2000 Arab Cup Winners' Cup: 1999 Al-Sadd

Emir of Qatar Cup: 2000–01 Man United Reserves

Premier Reserve League: 2005–06 PRL Northern Division: 2005–06 Manchester Senior Cup: 2005–06