Manchester United are facing up to the prospect of losing highly-respected first-team coach Rene Meulensteen, with Qatar reportedly keen to appoint the him as their national boss.

The 45-year-old was promoted from his role as head of technical development at Old Trafford to work alongside assistant manager Mike Phelan following the departure of Carlos Queiroz to take up the reigns of Portugal in 2008.

He has become a trusted lieutenant to Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson and played an instrumental role in helping the side clinch their third successive Premier League title and reach the UEFA Champions League final last season.

However, according to the Daily Mirror Meulensteen has been identified as the man the Qataris want to run their national side as they look to qualify for World Cup 2014 ahead of their bid to host the tournament.

The Dutchman, who a brief and unsuccessful spell in charge of Danish giants Brondby, has already spent time in Qatar managing their youth team as well as leading a number of the country's leading club sides before joining United.

Bruno Metsu, who led Senegal to the 2002 World Cup finals, is currently in charge of the side, but after winning just one game out of eight in their World Cup qualification campaign, Qatar are looking at alternatives.