Mike Phelan began his career at Burnley, signing as an associated schoolboy in July 1979, as an apprentice two years later and as a professional in July 1980. He made his league debut in January 1981 against Chesterfield and whilst at Turf Moor would gain England Youth caps and a Third Division champions medal. 168 games for Burnley brought him to Norwich's attention who signed him on 30th May 1985. A strong, influential midfielder was needed if Norwich were to return to the top flight following their relegation to Division Two in May 1985. Mike lived up to the expectations and City won the Division Two championship in his first season at the club. He became club captain when Steve Bruce joined Manchester United and led the Canaries to 4th place in Division One in 1988/89 and a place in the FA Cup semi-finals..

He was called into the England squad for the Rous Cup games against Chile and Scotland but did not play due to a hamstring injury. Mick's success drew the attention of the big clubs and he followed Steve Bruce to Old Trafford for £750,000. Whilst with Manchester United, he won his first international cap (against Italy) and a FA Cup winner's medal in his first season. Unlike Steve Bruce, Mike was unable to establish a regular spot in the United first team and so dropped down a division to join West Bromwich Albion in 1994 .

He returned to Carrow Road in December 1995 as Assistant Manager to Gary Megson. and managed the City Reserves. When Megson was fired and joined Blackpool, Mike followed him returning to his native North-West. He has since accompanied Megson to Stockport County. His career total stands at Burnley (168 league games, 9 goals), Norwich City (194 games, 10 goals), Manchester United (102 games, 2 goals) and West Bromwich Albion (21 games)

Following Megson's sacking as Stockport boss on 25th June 1999, Mike was been named as a potential successor to the post although Chris Kamara and Youth team boss Andy Kilmer were considered more popular choices. Mike lost out to Andy Kilmer but has remained as Assistant Manager according to the Rothmans Football Yearbook 1999/2000. Mike didn't stay long under Kilmer's regime, quitting his position and taking up a role at Manchester United's Centre of Excellence. With Steve McClaren's departure to Middlesboro in the summer of 2001, Mike was promoted to first team coach.

United's below-par start to 2002/03 was turned around in November when Phelan was promoted from reserve team manager to become Fergie's second lieutenant. In his first match on the bench, United beat Newcastle 5-3 and the Red Devils went on to win the next five games and eventually snatch the Premiership from Arsenal.

Ferguson's number two Carlos Queiroz left Old Trafford in the summer to take over the reins at Real Madrid. Rather than rush into appointing a new deputy, Ferguson entrusted Phelan with the role. A successful pre-season tour of the USA, a Charity Shield victory and a strong start to the 2003/04 campaign suggests a wise move by the wily Scot.

"The manager has said he is not rushing into anything, he gave me an opportunity to do pre-season and it has gone pretty well," said Phelan. " The manager is happy with what he has seen and we will have to see where that goes."

Mike was linked with the managerial vacancy at Burnley in May 2004 following their sacking of manager Stan Ternant.

In September 2008, Mike was appointed Assistant Manager following the departure of Carlos Queiroz to manage the Portuguese national team. Sir Alex Ferguosn said "Mick knows Manchester United inside out, having been associated with the club for the best part of 20 years. I am delighted that Mick and Rene [Meulensteen - new first team coach] have agreed to fill these important positions.Mick is a very talented and professional coach, whose ability and contribution to the club's success has often been understated."

Phelan and United won the Premiership trophy in 2008/9, 2010/11 and 2012/13.