Southeast Asia Thailand

Sir Alex Ferguson’s former assistant applies for vacant Thai post

Sir Alex Ferguson’s former assistant at Manchester United, Rene Meulensteen, has met with the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) to apply for the head coach position of the War Elephants.

Following Kiatisuk Senamuang’s resignation last week, a number of high-profile names are reportedly interested in the vacancy at the Thai national team.

Winfried Schäfer was the first manager to meet face-to-face with FAT president Somyot Poompunmuang on Monday, local newspapers reported.

Schäfer coached Thailand between 2011 and 2013 and also led Jamaica to the final of the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup for the first time in their history.

Meulensteen was spotted in Bangkok on Wednesday morning and sources disclosed that the meeting between him and Somyot Poompunmuang lasted less than half an hour.

The 53-year-old Dutchman enjoyed a successful career at Manchester United, where he won three Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League as Sir Alex’s assistant. Widely considered to be one of the best trainers in Europe, his training method helped former Manchester United footballer Cristiano Ronaldo to reach his potential.

The Dutchman resigned after David Moyes replaced Ferguson in 2013 and worked with Anzhi Makhachkala, Fulham and Maccabi Haifa.

Meulensteen has been unemployed after quitting his post with Maccabi in February this year.