Football

Moyes, the wrong man in the right place?

When Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement from Manchester United at the end of the season, there was much talk about who would replace the legendary Scot at Old Trafford. Renowned managers like Pep Guardiola and José Mourinho were strongly linked with the role, however when they announced the appointment of David Moyes, there were mixed opinions concerning the choice.

With Manchester City and Chelsea both hiring experienced, prominent managers like Mourinho and Manuel Pellegrini, who have both managed European giants Real Madrid, it leaves the question on many people’s lips; is Moyes the right man for the job?

There were many reasons given as to why Moyes was a good appointment but, appointing a manager of Moyes experience, is a massive risk. Moyes has only managed 2 clubs before Manchester United: Everton and Preston North End. With these clubs he has managed to win no major trophies and his only major accolade was gaining promotion with Preston North End to Division 1. However, with Everton he did manage to qualify for the UEFA Champions League in the 2004/5 season, which for a club on Everton’s budget and size is a phenomenal achievement in itself. This achievement earning Moyes the LMA Manager of the Year.

Moyes also has further traits that persuaded Sir Alex Ferguson to recommend him to the United board. Moyes favours the policy of promoting youth from within the club and making them eventual first team members, which is seen as continuity from Ferguson’s policy. At Everton on numerous occasions he proved himself to buy shrewd signings in the transfer market, often buying players which have blossomed under Moyes; most famously being Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini.

At Manchester United though, he has a substantial transfer kitty which he did not have at Everton and United fans are already starting to worry as the only signing he has made is Guillermo Varela for around £1 million. This is distressing to many who feel that Moyes should make a marquee signing to ease the worries of fans. Although big names like Cesc Fabregas and Luka Modric have been linked, none have signed. Adding to the pressure is the fact that United’s rivals Manchester City have already spent around £100 million on transfers.

It could however be argued that with the squad Moyes has now inherited, not much is needed to booster the team that comfortably won the Premier League last season. Conversely, it is glaringly obvious to United fans that United are crying out for a creative midfielder since the retirement of Paul Scholes. If United manage to keep striker Wayne Rooney and add some creativity in Midfield, there is no reason why they cannot challenge for the title again. Although some have posed that this may be a transition season for Manchester United, with Ferguson himself stating that United will have to stick by their manager through what is sure to be testing times.

Will David Moyes be a success at Manchester United? Only time will tell. 

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