UNITED, SIR ALEX AND ME

A look at Rene Meulensteen’s reflections on life and world class coaching. By Mike Conway

It's the 8th September 2018, just after lunch at the Socceroos camp at the magnificent Gloria Serenity resort in Antalya, Turkey on the Mediterranean Coast. I find myself walking through the luscious gardens and around the blue water pools and waterfalls with Rene Meulensteen, the former first team coach of Manchester United during the halcyon days at Old Trafford. It was the first time we had met and most of our conversations were mostly about our goals, plans and aspirations for the Australian national soccer team, the Socceroos as we looked to the next four years as recently appointed team staff.  Rene as Graham Arnold’s assistant coach and myself, the team’s emotional agility and mind coach.  

As a lifetime Manchester United supporter this would be a never to be forgotten moment. The first of many conversations about that great period at Old Trafford. Five Premier Leagues, a Champions League, and a FIFA World Cup title. A period for those that love the club, hope for to come again.  

It was a special moment.  One that set up a friendship and professional relationship which was, and is deep and meaningful. Over the years since that first national camp, we regularly discussed and shared ideas on broader coaching perspectives as well as aspects that many have seen in my work too. 

Leadership, emotional intelligence, communication and relationships, team culture and resilience. Rene’s style and approach is a lesson for anyone who has and is at the top of their profession.  I have found a fantastic quote which relates to Rene perfectly: 

“if you run your business fairly; if you treat people well; if you try to move your business into areas that are making a real positive difference to other people’s lives; I think you’ll A: Have much pleasant life and B: I think you’ll have a much more successful business.” (Richard Branson.)

The risk when people move up the corporate ladder or experience celebrity or fame is that they sometimes forget their roots.  A few weeks ago, I wrote a piece about ghosting.  You know that awful habit of people ignoring others they know well.   Too busy; no time; too important, or so they think.  Whereas Rene, despite his incredible successes is none of these things.  And what he brought and still brings to the Socceroos is a wealth of experience, a hugely positive attitude to his work and contribution and as important in a competitive environment, the drive, ability, and knowledge of how to win. 

I’ve never felt I was anything special but this learning about what it takes to win is certainly in my DNA too. Football, cricket, entertainment, tv ratings, coaching programs for elite athletes and business people..  Whatever it is, knowledge on how to win is unique.  I think this is where we found alignment and still do, as well as a socialisation which strangely enough was similar despite our different places of birth. 

The journey from that early chat in Antalya to the last game together versus Argentina in Qatar in 2022 was full of incredible memories and shared experiences. Plenty of highs, a few lows, lots of laughs and a commitment to be the best we could be. 

As the World Cup in Qatar drew to a close Rene disclosed to me that he was writing a book supported by successful author Wayne Barton about his journey with Sir Alex Ferguson and those Manchester United years.  He asked me if I would be on the journey to review the book as it emerged from idea to completion.  A fairy tale experience for any Manchester United fan and a writer like me.   Most importantly this draws attention to the key aspect of relationships in any team….TRUST.  Rene, trusting me with his work and I trusting Rene that my perspective and thoughts are of value.   I’ve mentioned the Trust equation in other writings of the past: 



What Rene doesn’t know but now will, that for me, trust is the biggest determinant of any successful team.  In my view, it was critical for our 11th place finish in Qatar. That success was, in my view, built on a team and staff who shared an incredible culture of trust.   Let’s be honest. We weren’t the best team technically or physically.  But we had an unbreakable spirit which has a created a bond for life. 

So, over the months following the 2022 World Cup, Rene and I would get on zoom, and we’d pass notes back and forth until the final version of his book emerged.  To know that Sir Alex would write the foreword was something special.   Trust!  To take time out to read this book will be of value for anyone aiming to be the best they can be. From football, sport and business let alone a Manchester United fan! I also think it provides a useful backdrop for any player to gain insight into the highest level of coaching.  Hoping that it’s floating around Old Trafford too as I write this!

What I love about the book, and I’ve read it from the first version to the beautiful, printed version eight times, its the honesty.  Accepting and learning about defeat; acknowledging people along the way.  Constant learning and a determination to never lie down and give up.  When things go wrong, notice the disappointment, learn and be better next time round. All aspects of life I teach in my mindset programs around the World.  Rene's style and approach, and also that of his life partner and wife, Marieke, can be seen passed on to their children Joppe, Pien and Melle.  I’ve met all of them and each are fantastic human beings.  That’s the thing which matters to Rene most.  I had an incredible day with Rene and Pien when Pien interviewed me for an XVenture podcast.  Now of course an incredible Sky Sports commentator in her own right.   Rene’s opening says it all: “Gratitude, I count my blessings every day.” 

Last year I was working at Edgbaston with the Birmingham Phoenix women’s cricket team and had a few days up my sleeve.  I dropped in to see Rene and Marieke in Manchester where they’ve set up a lovely home.  A beautiful Summer’s day in their back garden drinking tea and chatting about life.   That evening we went out for a couple of jars at a Cheshire pub and watched United live on tv.  It was wonderful to sit next to a master tactician share perspectives on the game.  But most importantly, it was two friends, sharing some life together. .  

I’m writing this on a Sunday afternoon in my home at Avalon Beach.   It’s the 12th of November 2023.  A long way from 12 November 2022 in Doha Qatar. Time flies.  This time last year, I was playing a staff game with Rene, Tony Vidmar  and the one and only Tim Cahill. Here’s the photo to prove it – we came out on top!

I will remain so thankful for that time and the experiences and so many lessons shared,  though I have sneaking suspicion there are more to come.

Here's to you my friend, a throwback to a special beer shared in Dubai on the road to Qatar 2022.

“UNITED, SIR ALEX AND ME: MY LIFE IN FOOTBALL: RENE MEULENSTEEN"

Published by Reach Sport can be purchased through Amazon Australia

https://www.amazon.com.au/Rene-Meulensteen-United-Alex-Football/dp/1914197712

Amazon UK 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ren%C3%A9-Meulensteen-United-Alex-Football/dp/1914197712

and at the Reach Sports Shop 

https://reachsportshop.com/book/rene-meulensteen-united-sir-alex-and-me/