The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Manchester no longer United under Moyes

Roar Rookie
22nd April, 2014
Advertisement
David Moyes, here in his Manchester United days, looks likely to lead Sunderland into the Championship. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)
Roar Rookie
22nd April, 2014
36

It has been confirmed that Manchester United have sacked David Moyes. This made me think back about an article I wrote before the start of this season entitled “Moyes to start United life in the deep end“.

It was never going to be easy sailing for the former Everton boss, following in the footsteps of the great Sir Alex Ferguson, but no one could have imagined the disastrous campaign the club has had under their new manager.

Manchester United’s record against the top six of the English Premier League has been dismal – one victory and only six points from a possible 36. Clearly not acceptable for a club with the prestige of Manchester United.

But it is not just the form against the top clubs that has been pathetic. Old Trafford used to be a fortress, but this season it has been a happy hunting ground for most teams. West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle United won for the first time there in 36 and 41 years respectively. Swansea City achieved their inaugural victory at Old Trafford this season, knocking the Red Devils out of the FA Cup in early January.

The faith that United supporters had in the new manager at the start of the campaign is all but gone. It was always going to be tough ask, but enough is enough and the club owners, the Glazers family, have listened to the fans. Some critics will say they are being a little drastic by sacking him inside just one season, particularly with the United hierarchy claiming Moyes would be given time to settle in.

However, it is quite evident the job is beyond his qualifications.

Perhaps most concerning of all this season has been the tactics and the way the club played in defeats. Long balls and crosses into the box is not the United way. Red Devils teams have always been known to play attractive attacking football, keeping possession and knocking the ball around the box. This should be a key aspect for the United hierarchy in selecting the next Red Devils manager.

Who knows, a Sir Alex Ferguson return may be on the cards – anything can happening in football. Take Liverpool FC for example, this time last year who would have believed they would be three games away from winning the EPL title?

Advertisement
close