"You had the United perspective - the manager saying, 'Keep what we've got, keep the continuity, work with them and they'll guide you through. You're taking on a massive machine here. You've gone from Marks and Spencer's to Harrods.'
"Then there's David's viewpoint, which I understand. I know him professionally. I know his work ethic, his hands-on approach."
"I don't blame him for doing what he did. I've been in the game long enough to know how it is.
"But it's ironic, isn't it? You've just been part of a team that has had a great season and won the league. David De Gea's had his best season. Does it make sense that you're not retained to continue the good work? Sadly, that's out of my hands."
Ferguson's departure was not the only major upheaval at Old Trafford at the end of the 2013 season. The retirements of David Gill as chief executive and Paul Scholes - for a second and final time - have been felt keenly in the board room and the dressing room.
While Meulensteen left for an abortive spell in charge of Anzhi Makhachkala and Phelan has made a number of media appearances, Steele has gone from United's Carrington training ground to helping out old friend Graham Turner at Shrewsbury.
"There were massive changes - the manager, chief executive, Scholes retiring and the coaches," Steele said. "But there are enough players in that dressing room to win when it really starts."
"My time was up, I'm proud of what I did at United and I have great memories."
Edited by Michael Beattie
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