Rene Meulensteen is leaving Manchester United.

The Independent on Sunday says Meulensteen turned down the chance to be David Moyes' assistant manager at Old Trafford because he felt the Scot's hands-on approach to training would have left him more marginalised than in the role he enjoyed under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Meulensteen, 49, has had a profound effect on the Carrington training ground since taking over as first team coach five years ago and his decision to turn down the No 2 role is a setback in United's attempt to ensure continuity after Ferguson's retirement.