Robertson: Fergie influence noticeable in Hull caretaker Phelan

Mike Phelan may still be waiting for a full appointment as Hull City manager, but full-back Andrew Robertson believes he is already seeing shades of one of the world’s best managers in his caretaker boss’ style of leadership.

Phelan took over after Steve Bruce left the KCOM Stadium just weeks before the season began, with a limited transfer budget and a threadbare squad leaving the former Manchester United assistant manager with just 13 fit players.

Despite adversity, Hull prevailed in their two opening Premier League games against champions Leicester and then Burnley, though four defeats in their last five have stunted further progress.

But while confirmation of Phelan’s first stint in full management is still to come, Robertson has seen plenty of Sir Alex Ferguson – a manager Phelan spent 13 years with – in his potential new boss, named Manager of the Month for August.

(Photo by Angel Martinez/Real Madrid via Getty Images)

“We were all gutted to see the gaffer (Bruce) go, but we had to move on quite quickly and with everything that’s happened so far I think Mick has dealt with it quite well,” said Robertson.

“Having learnt a lot working under one of the greatest managers in the world in Sir Alex Ferguson for as long as he did has helped. And it’s rubbed off on us in the way we’ve set up and we’re all really enjoying it.

“We had the fans all singing for him and it’ll make Mick feel good that everyone at the club wants him appointed.

“He’s a great guy, his calmness has been hugely helpful, so we hope he can be appointed and we can get that off the shoulders and we can push on.”