Football

David Moyes: Masterstroke or Risky Business?

When it was confirmed that Sir Alex Ferguson was to retire as Manchester United manager at the end of the season, it was all but certain who would replace him in the hot-seat. David Moyes, who will resign as Everton manager at the end of the season, had been touted as Ferguson’s replacement for the last five or six years and his appointment which was confirmed yesterday will come as no shock to anyone.

Ferguson recommended him and despite the lack of trophies on his CV as manager of Preston North End and Everton, a recommendation from Sir Alex himself speaks volumes. Yet should Ferguson’s words be enough? After all Jose Mourinho, although touted for Chelsea, could have quite easily picked up the reigns at Old Trafford and with a record like his, two Premier League and Champions League titles but to name a few of his triumphs, would have seemed the sensible option.

However there is something about Moyes, a fiery Scotsman just like Ferguson, he has seemingly mastered the balance of youth and experience in his playing squad, he commands respect of players, supporters and pundits alike and above all else seems committed to the job. He joins the Red Devils after spending 11 years at Goodison Park, where he worked on a tight budget yet turned Everton into a stable and competitive Premier League side. The style of football was attractive, the mixes of flare players like Marouane Fellaini and Tim Cahill and the more reserved such as Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines worked perfectly.

Moyes’ critics will point out that in many of his seasons his Everton side failed to be consistent until after Christmas which often left them midtable before a late surge, which is true but this season he seemed to have it right. 6th place and five points ahead of city rivals Liverpool with just two games to go, can be considered a success and for the Toffees it will be a great shame that he won’t be around to build on that.

Yet for Moyes that was always the issue; financial backing. He had in the past spent large transfer fees on players (£15m on Fellaini) but the money was never consistent, therefore when one came it no one else followed which limited Everton from moving forward. Now he will get his chance, as one of the richest clubs in the world look to build on their Premier League dominance and once again aim to break Europe. It will be tough for Moyes, Manchester City will be back with a vengeance, Chelsea and Arsenal won’t be far behind while Spurs just need one or two more to be challenging for the title: Moyes will need to be at his very best.

The lack of trophies shouldn’t worry Manchester United fans, Moyes has all the makings of a great manger; he spends sensibly, he motivates the players and he has the passion and commitment that makes him a winner – a lot like Sir Alex Ferguson.

If he can handle the pressure and is eased into his position rather than thrown in and patience is given to the Glaswegian then it will turn out to be a very good appointment and at 50 years of age might turn into one that lasts another 27.

Click to comment
To Top