One wonders how long it will be before David Moyes is sacked. According to Elliott Danker, we might need some sympathy for the Devil
You can’t help but pity David Moyes. The pressure of being handpicked by Sir Alex Ferguson to steer Manchester United into the future has gotten to him.
At the rate things are going, you can’t help but wonder how long it will take before he cracks. Well, it might not be entirely his fault.
Sir Alex has to shoulder part of the blame too. If you think about it, the main problem in the past few seasons has been that midfield engine room.
Fergie never really did replace the old axis of Paul Scholes and Roy Keane. Scholes had to come back from retirement to help United to its 20th League title, and that says a lot.
Now, Moyes has discovered that Fergie’s Man United has passed its sell-by date. Just look at the squad – it’s aging in the areas such as in defence, which has been the main Achilles heel this season.
Leaky Defence
While Patrice Evra has contributed in assists and goals this season, he has been found wanting at the back. His inability to track back and to cut out crosses fast enough has led to either Nemenja Vidic or Johnny Evans having to cover the ground of an exposed backline.
Many teams have discovered this weakness, and have continuously attacked Evra down the flank. I’m surprised that nothing has been done about this.
Let’s not forget Rio Ferdinand, who can hardly get a game these days. He’s 35, not as pacey as he used to be, injury prone and probably should call time on top flight football.
Midfield Muddle
Then, we have the midfield problem of a big hole. Bringing in Marouane Fellaini for £27.5 million on the final day of the transfer window back in September was not the solution to any of United’s problems.
The Belgian has struggled to make an impression and has so far not offered any evidence of replicating the form he had with Everton.
Paul Scholes has retired again and Ryan Giggs is left playing at 40, the last of the Class of ’92. If you’re still reliant on a player who is past his prime, then you’ve got a serious problem.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Giggs. But he should be guiding the younger players off the pitch and not on it.
Tom Cleverly and Anderson are not up to standard, and the misuse of Shinji Kagawa is just criminal.
Unconvincing Attack?
Danny Welbeck has been a bright spark. Though he still has some way to go, he has been reliable this season.
It appears Robin van Persie is starting to revert to his injury-prone ways, while Chicharito loves having the ball looped over him and played to his feet – a style that might not work with Moyes’ high-intensity game, where everyone needs to be involved and constantly moving.
Then, we have the curious case of Wayne Rooney. He has been brilliant this season – in fact, almost a one man team at times.
While he seems to be enjoying life under Moyes, he’s stalling over a new contract. What’s his play here?
So, you see, the cracks were already there even before Moyes took over. Perhaps Sir Alex was much better at motivating his players, so much so that they practically willed themselves to their 20th English Premier League title.
A club of Manchester United’s stature cannot afford not to win anything for too long, even though that might have to be the case for a while.
I believe they will get over it eventually.
Catch Elliot Danker on weekdays, from 10am to 2pm, on Power 98FM.
FACT BOX
David Moyes – The record breaker. This season has seen a few records broken or destroyed by him:
1. Everton’s first win at Old Trafford after 21 years
2. Newcastle United’s first win at Old Trafford after 41 years
3. West Bromwich’s first win at Old Trafford after 35 years
4. Man United’s worst start after six games since 1989/1990 season
5. Swansea’s first-ever win at Old Trafford.
Left photo: mooinblack; Right photo: Pal2iyawit
Photos from Shutterstock.com
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