Manchester United says first-team coach Rene Meulensteen has left the club, ending his second stint in the Premier League champions' backroom staff.

After spending five years at United as the coach of youth and reserve teams from 2001-06, Meulensteen returned for a second spell at Old Trafford in 2007 and was soon hired as first-team coach.

The Dutchman's departure follows that of Alex Ferguson, who quit as manager of United in May after nearly 27 years in charge.

United executive vice chairman Ed Woodward says Meulensteen gave "great assistance to Sir Alex Ferguson and (assistant coach) Mick Phelan in keeping the team at the top of the game not only in this country but in Europe as well."

David Moyes has taken over as manager this summer as Ferguson's replacement.