Phelan, who spent five years as Sir Alex Ferguson’s right-hand man at Old Trafford before leaving when David Moyes took over the reins in 2013, says the new regime under Louis van Gaal could be the reason for United’s injuries this term.

Van Gaal’s United side face seven games in the next 31 days and a victory in their first, against Stoke City this evening, would see United record four straight wins for only the second time since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.

Keane, who spent 12 years at the heart of United’s dominating midfield before controversially departing Old Trafford in 2005, took up the assistant manager post at Villa Park in the close-season.

Not long into his first season in charge, Van Gaal’s United sit fourth in the Premier League after 12 games but are yet to replicate the performance levels of the side during Sir Alex’s 26-year reign.

Ex-Manchester United first-team coach Mike Phelan has joined Championship outfit Norwich City in the same role.

Manchester City’s top five victories over their rivals Manchester United have mostly come in the Premier League era, but Denis Law gave them one famous victory too.

City are on the brink of Champions League elimination while the Premier League already seems destined for London pacesetters Chelsea

Failed Manchester United manager David Moyes has slammed the Old Trafford board for sacking him less than a year after handing him the job

New United boss Louis van Gaal brought in an array of stars in the transfer window, including Daley Blind, Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao.

Keane was one of a number of players who were criticised by their former manager in his autobiography last year.

In a survey conducted by bookmakers Ladbrokes, it was revealed that the public deemed Sir Alex the second most controversial sports manager of all time.