As we all know, former Everton boss David Moyes has been given the huge task of taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United next season.
And any chance of easing himself into one of the biggest managerial positions of world sport is long gone.
No matter who Manchester United chose to replace Ferguson after his 26 seasons in charge, they would be highly scrutinised from the start of the new campaign.
So, of course, Moyes would have hoped that the fixture list for the upcoming English Premier League season, that was just recently released, would be kind to him. Unfortunately for the new Red Devils manager, this is not the case.
In the first five matches of the 2013/14 English Premier League season, Manchester United has four ‘big’ clashes – Moyes’ former club Everton, Chelsea (home), Liverpool (away) and Manchester City (away), which is not an easy start for any club, even for United.
This is off the back of a quick fire pre-season tour of Asia/Australia, where Manchester United plays five friendlies in just over two weeks, as well as contesting the Community Shield against Wigan Athletic… all inside a month prior to the start of the English Premier League campaign.
United has insisted they will give the new manager time to find his feet, just like the club did back in 1986, when Sir Alex was appointed. It took the former manager five years to get the club to be the ultra-competitive team that they are today, after only winning one major trophy (FA Cup 1989/90).
So it will be interesting to see how long they give Moyes, particularly if the Red Devils do struggle with this tough start to next season.
He clearly will not be given five years like Ferguson to win his first trophy, where modern United fans expect silverware success each and every year.
This makes it even more important for Moyes to at least claim one major trophy in his first season in charge to endear himself to the Red Devils faithful, and prove there is life after Fergie.
AlexThanopoulos
Roar Rookie
Clearly all will be watching closely and it isnt the easiest of starts. Little early to understand what the side will look like and how Moyes will play. Will Rooney stay? Can Moyes get more out of Kagawa if he is injury free? Who else is to come in? Need a central midfielder and Cleverly isn't it. Valencia was woeful all season. Nani is on his way out with Anderson following. Vidic needs to stay fit. Evra needs to be challenged (Baines). Oustide of RVP, Carrick, DDG, Rafael, Rooney (provided he stays) it really is hard to tell who will be first chosen in their position. Times they are a changing. Preseason may offer some insight, however until then. Who knows? Will not be easy though, that is for certain.
JarrodMcAleese
Roar Rookie
Fantastic manager on a small budget, it'll be interesting to see how he fares with a transfer war chest. Big shoes to fill is an understatement.
pete4
Guest
For sure its going to be interesting to see how Moyes goes. His only trophy (as a manager) came at Preston North End over 13 years ago