Louis Van Moyes: Has The 'Dutch Master' Improved Things?

What no difference a year makes... That's the saying isn't it? 12 months ago, David Moyes was bemoaning a fixture list that saw the club record its worst Premier League opening five games - the worst start since 1989/90. Berated, and quite rightly I might add, for the poor results he achieved in that time, but few would have expected that in just one year, that record would be not only in jeopardy, but broken. With hugely decorated and experienced manager Louis van Gaal, fresh off a remarkable third place finish for the Dutch national team at the World Cup, at the helm, it seemed Manchester United were in safe hands. The gamble with Moyes had not paid off, and now was time to resort to a more secure option.

But has van Gaal been the safe bet everyone assumed? After five fixtures of this season, Louis van Gaal's Manchester United were two points worse off than the team led by Moyes. More concerning for the new manager is the fact that when it comes to the fixture list, Moyes has a point. In the opening five fixtures of the ex-Everton manager's reign, United made difficult trips to Manchester City and Liverpool, while hosting Chelsea. If seven points seemed like scant reward from five Premier League matches, especially as defending champions, this season has been nothing short of a disaster. After defeats at home to Swansea and away at newly-promoted Leicester City, along with another disappointing 0-0 draw at Burnley, van Gaal's Manchester United ended up with just five points, and from a far easier set of games.

And that's not even starting to look at the transfer policies. While Moyes is hardly the Archangel Gabriel when it comes to transfer dealings, particularly on deadline day, panic buying Marouane Fellaini for £27m (£4m more than he could have got him for just a few months before), and failing to secure the signature of Ander Herrera after some shambolic goings on in Bilbao. However, it was clear that he never had the full backing of the United back room staff when it came to transfers, with chief executive Ed Woodward denying him the opportunity to splash the cash. However, that has not been a problem for van Gaal. Over £150m has gone out of the door this summer, with Angel di Maria and Luke Shaw accounting for the best part of £100m. While it is not fair to say they are failures just yet, only di Maria has made any kind of immediate impact, and defensively they look shocking.

But why is that? In fairness, part of that is beyond van Gaal's control. After their disappointing last season, three of United's regular back four left the club, with club captain Nemanja Vidic and ageing pair Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand opting to cut their losses. That kind of loss would shatter any club's confidence and performance, but I don't think that is entirely to blame for United's current predicament. Tactically, van Gaal and his players have looked inept at times so far this season. Unable to choose between 3, 4 or even 5 at the back, the lack of continuity has had devastating effects on communication in defence and understanding.

Having watched United a few times already this season, they look irresistible going forward at times, but when put under pressure defensively, they crumble. Without the presence of a strong leader at the back, no-one seems to want to take control. As a result, comical moments like numerous defenders going for the same ball, or marking the same man, have been prevalent this season. While some may be quick to blame the exuberance of youth, with the likes of Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair making their first-team debuts, they have been some of the more consistent performers so far this year (Blackett's performance at Leicester excepted).

So how can United put this right? As much as pundits like Phil Neville suggest continued mega-spending, that will not do anything for the continuity and understanding of the team. Being a City fan, I have seen the impact of attempting to build a team of Galacticos overnight - it simply doesn't work quickly. City took three years to rebuild to form a side that can challenge for the top 4, so for United to expect that a continuing influx of quality players will inevitably lead to their re-coronation at the top of English football, they are very much mistaken. In my opinion, United's best route forward is to accept that this is not simply an isolated season of struggle, and to focus on honing the players they already have, with the addition of a couple of high-profile names a season. The players they have brought in this season are quality, but they need time to adjust.

So is it unfair that van Gaal looks like getting time where Moyes didn't? Absolutely. Had Moyes have made the same purchases that van Gaal has, and struggled in the same way, then the backlash would have been far more severe. The hashtag #MoyesOut was trending on Twitter from November onwards - will van Gaal have the same thing? I very much doubt it, though the joke #LouisvanMoyes has been made by Twitter users. However, it may well be that van Gaal can turn this round. In the meantime, van Gaal's track record and ability to pull big name signings may well prove enough to keep him in a job, regardless of the performances.

Louis van Moyes? The comparison will only please one man, and I think he made a trip to Turkey recently to see about the Galatasaray job.

The Veil Is Slipping: Are United Still In The Title Race?

                          The worst start to a Premier League season. This is the (unwanted) record that the 2013/14 Manchester United squad, and David Moyes, have claimed. I hate the term 'transition period', as it is all too often used as an excuse by managers and fans alike to explain poor form. A recent example would be, in my opinion, Liverpool. In the last 5 years, the Reds' form has dipped significantly, with each of Roy Hodgson, Kenny Dalglish and Brendan Rodgers claiming that Liverpool were in 'transition'. However, in United's case, I believe it is justified. After a managerial dynasty, the like of which the Premier League has never seen before, it was always likely to take Manchester United some time to regroup and adjust. However, there remain those who are surprised by their recent dip in form, with many suggesting that United may be out of the title race already. This post will examine this claim, whilst also looking at alternative explanations for the champions' sudden decline.

                            Man Utd have begun this 2013/2014 Premier League season with three defeats, two draws, and just three victories, leaving them on a grand total of 11 points after 8 games. This represents the club's worst start to a Premier League season ever, and their worst start to a campaign in 24 years. Bearing in mind all three of the sides considered to be in the hunt for the Premier League crown (Man Utd, Man City and Chelsea) have changed their managers, it was always going to be an interesting start to the season. Most United fans believed that they could therefore compare their performances and results to those of their rivals, as they had all gone through a period of instability. When they see their side 8th, and 8 points off the lead of the Premier League, 5 and 6 points behind City and Chelsea respectively, we have seen many become disenchanted. However, I consider the disenchanted to be short-termist supporters (and generally fair-weather fans), and I say that for two reasons. The first is that Manchester United, as I discussed in my Premier League fixtures post, recieved the toughest start to the campaign of the three title contenders. With Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City all in their opening five fixtures, two of which were away, it was always going to be tough for United to gain too much momentum. The second is Sir Alex Ferguson.

                               One misjudgement that Manchester United fans make when they compare Manchester City's and, in particular, Chelsea's situation to their own. In Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United had a manager that was with them for quarter of a century, providing them with success unrivalled by any other English club. It is only natural that he will have shaped the club in a particular way, making it incredibly difficult for the next man coming in. If losing Ferguson was not enough, the club would have been further destabilised by the loss of chief executive David Gill. Another incredibly influential member of the footballing world. His replacement, Ed Woodward, was widely considered to have had a poor transfer window, managing to bring in only Marouane Fellaini, despite several key failures. Comparing this to City and Chelsea, we see no such backroom instability. Roberto Mancini at City, whilst he was successful, did not have the same effect on the backroom as Ferguson, meaning that Manuel Pellegrini's transition would be much smoother. For Chelsea, the transition would be even more easy, as Jose Mourinho has managed Chelsea before, and will therefore be accustomed to the Premier League, and the club. Comparisons made between the three clubs are, in my mind, unfair, as United have had to deal with far more internal turmoil than either of their rivals.

                                Something else that many short-termist Manchester United 'fans' often forget (or perhaps do not even know) is that their idol, Sir Alex Ferguson, was within minutes of a sacking way back before he won his first title. Had he been disposed of, United would almost certainly not be the force we know them as today. In a move regarded as one of the best in history, Manchester United bosses took a risk on the Scottish manager, despite a dismal early United career. It would pay off handsomely, with 13 Premier League titles following. It is that same patience that new man David Moyes will be asking for from United bosses and fans alike. I'm not so sure he will get it...

                                 David Moyes has been heavily criticised by many in recent weeks. The team's abject performance in the Manchester derby was followed by the shock loss at home to West Brom. In no league game since the opening day has the side looked settled and confident, and fans are placing the majority of the blame on the shoulders of the manager. He also shouldered blame for the club's lack of activity in the transfer market. Missing out on key targets like Thiago Alcantara, Gareth Bale and Ander Herrera meant that they had to settle for an ex-Moyes charge, Marouane Fellaini. However, even that was a flawed move. United had allowed a £24 Million minimum fee release clause to expire, meaning that the Belgian cost the Red Devils an extra £4 Million. A move that prompted wide calls of financial incompetance and lack of vision, also seemingly illustrating Moyes's inability to draw in the big players. With the American owners, the Glazers, there is no guarantee that the Abramovic-style short-termism won't win out, meaning that Moyes finds himself in line at the job centre. However, is it really fair that he shoulders the entirety of the blame?

                                  I would certainly argue no. David Moyes has not become a bad manager overnight. He performed miracles year after year at Everton, where he was given the time to build the squad the way he wanted. Admittedly, the expectations at Manchester United are quite difficult to those of Everton, but the point remains the same. It is also important to point out that the current crop of Manchester United players would hardly make their best Premier League XI. There are a few gems (Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic spring to mind), but there is little in terms of strength in depth at United. If we compare their players to those at City or Chelsea, they are certainly at a significant disadvantage. United fans may attempt to contradict me here, using last season's emphatic victory in the league as evidence of their squad's quality. My counter-argument would be this: United had their backroom working effectively, with a manager that knew the squad and the team inside-out, meaning he could get the best out of them. City, on the other hand, were divided, with several player revolts against Mancini. I think most sides could have beaten City last season. This year, both the lack of quality in the squad, and Moyes's lack of squad knowledge hinders the side on the field, and the turmoil behind the scenes means that players are not brought in, inevitably transferring onto the pitch.

                              People also point, quite rightly, to the change of mindset of teams when they play United, especially when they travel to Old Trafford. However, once again, I believe they misunderstand when they apply blame to Moyes for this. Such was the strength of Ferguson-led Manchester United teams, due to the manager's depth of squad knowledge, teams would come to Old Trafford expecting to lose, and treating a draw as though they had won. His retirement lifts that feeling, and teams can now exploit United's many weaknesses, as illustrated by the results thus far. I believe that this would have been the same had it been Moyes, Klopp or Guardiola in the United dugout. The new United manager was always going to struggle initially, perhaps for the rest of this season, as he can only work with what he has been given. What Moyes has been given is arguably the league's best strike force, but little in the midfield, and a defence that remains shaky at times. Ferguson's tactical knowledge instilled a sense of invincibility, which a manager can only grant a side after a considerable stint at the club. Expecting Moyes to come in and instantly perform to a similar standard is deluded. For opposing teams, I believe it is a case of 'making hay whilst the sun shines', as a suspect United will not stay this vulnerable for long.

                                So are United out of the title race? No. Simple as that. Arsene Wenger was quite right in his comments today. There is still plenty of time for the Red Devils to find their best form. In fact, it has been a trademark of both Manchester United and David Moyes teams in the past to come back strongly after Christmas. If they continue their current form until then, that resurgency may come too late. However, to write someone's title ambitions off after 8 games is ludicrous, and is indicative of the short-term nature of contemporary football.

                                Will Moyes be sacked? If it was up to me, not a chance. From a City point of view, I have made several jokes to United friends that David Moyes is the best thing to happen to City, so long may this early season form continue. However, I suspect that if United stick with the Scot, I will be smiling on the other side of my face soon enough. You cannot judge a new manager on 8 games (despite what many fans and chairmen think). If United get rid of Moyes, they will be in danger of falling into the trap that City (over the years) and Chelsea have fallen into. It is proven: a revolving door policy rarely brings sustained success. Find the right man, and stick with him. If fans believed Ferguson was the right man, they should be right behind Moyes. After all, the man who won them 13 Premier League titles did choose him for the job.

Manchester United: The Twentieth Time’s The Charm

2012/2013 Season Review:

                United started this season by making two high profile signings: Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund, and Robin van Persie from Arsenal. Both would play a key role in the months to come. Having lost the title the previous year in the most traumatic way possible, especially having it snatched from their grasp by their closest geographical rivals, United began with rhetoric of strength and stability, and a determination never to let it happen again. Unfortunately, they started their attempt to reclaim the title in the worst possible way. A 1-0 defeat away at Everton put them immediately on the back foot against their rivals. Subsequent 3-2 victories against Fulham and Southampton did little to raise expectations, as in both United could consider themselves fortunate to come away with all three points. Four successive victories followed, putting United back on track for European and domestic success.

                September ended in the worst possible way, with United relinquishing their usually impenetrable home record to a Gareth Bale inspired Tottenham. Further evidence that United were not yet at top gear, which gave hope to their title rivals. After the disappointment of this result, United rebounded in the best possible way, winning their next five games, including an away win at Stamford Bridge. It also ensured that there would be no repeat of the early elimination from the Champions League, as United cruised through their first three group games, caliming their place at the top of Group H. October, like September, ended on a sour note for the Red Devils. An incredible topsy-turvy game at Stamford Bridge in the Capital One Cup ended with a 5-4 scoreline, forcing United into an early exit.

                Despite this setback, United once again rebounded. Robin van Persie had started his United career in fantastic goalscoring form, with a goal on his home debut and a hat-trick against Southampton, almost single-handedly handing United the points. He showed no mercy with the visit of his former employers, Arsenal. A goal inside of 3 minutes set United on their way to a 2-1 success over the Gunners, and set van Persie well on the way to winning the Golden Boot for the second year in succession. United would only suffer one further setback during November, a shock 1-0 defeat at Carrow Road to Chris Hughton’s in form Norwich side. Whilst United quickly recovered, it brought the chasing pack very much into view once again.

                After the Norwich defeat, United went on a quite amazing unbeaten run, stretching 18 games. It was this run, coupled with the failing of Manchester City to be consistent, that ensured the title would be moving across the city once more. Notable games within this run include a defensive nightmare from both sides in an incredible first half at Reading, where the sides went into the break at 3-4 in United’s favour. A last minute, euphoric derby day victory at their great rivals City, simultaneously breaking the near 2 year unbeaten record of the reigning champions, which sparked ugly scenes in which Rio Ferdinand was hit with a missile from the crowd. The away game at Swansea was equally eventful, as after Robin van Persie was struck by a ball on the head from close range after play had been stopped, Sir Alex Ferguson proclaimed that ‘the ball could have killed him’. Widely satirised, the quote remains one of my favourites from the season.

                After easing through a relatively straight forward Champions League group, United had a less than favourable Last 16 draw, with Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid being drawn as their opponents. A hard fought 1-1 draw in the Bernabeu gave United fans hope of progression, with David de Gea and Danny Welbeck particularly impressing in Spain. The hotly anticipated return leg was stoked up further by Mourinho’s claims pre-match that ‘the world will be watching’. The game itself turned out to be a mostly scrappy affair, which turned on one decision. United, having taken the lead through a Sergio Ramos own goal, looked to be cruising to victory until an inexplicable decision from the referee saw the Red Devils reduced to ten men. A challenge between United’s Nani and Madrid’s Arbeloa saw the United man catch his opponent slightly late. A definite yellow card. Both Nani and his manager looked utterly bewildered when they noticed the card matched the colour of the winger’s shirt, and he had to make the long walk off. After that, Madrid sauntered to a 2-1 victory, with the added irony of Cristiano Ronaldo returning to score the winner. After the game, neither Sir Alex, nor any member of his side, fulfilled their press obligations out of protest, an action that subsequently saw him fined.

                After the heartbreak of the Champions League exit, United then suffered a second blow, being knocked out of the FA Cup by the holders Chelsea. After snatching a replay from a 2-0 deficit at Old Trafford, Chelsea won the replay courtesy of an acrobatic Demba Ba strike, ensuring that it was the Blues who went to Wembley. Fortunately for United, the league was still relatively safe, and even though they lost the subsequent derby at Old Trafford, the Red Devils strolled to the league title, wrapping it up courtesy of a Robin van Persie hat-trick against Aston Villa, that also guaranteed the striker the Golden Boot.

                The final few weeks of the campaign were concentrated over the news that Sir Alex Ferguson, United manager for the past 26 years, would be retiring at the end of the season. For more detail on my thoughts about that event, please check my earlier blog post. Certainly, he has left the game on a high, and one that I believe his successor, David Moyes, will find it incredibly difficult to replicate in the short term. Overall, whilst United were disappointed in Europe, they reclaimed what they believed was rightfully theirs.

 

Player of the Season: Robin van Persie – The former Arsenal man has made the switch between London and the North West look seamless, picking up where he left off at the Gunners, and putting to shame players that claim ‘it takes time to bed in’. Winner of the Golden Boot and the Premier League, it is not difficult to see why he wanted to join the Red Devils in the summer.

 

Game of the Season: West Bromwich Albion 5-5 Manchester United – Sir Alex Ferguson’s 1500^th and last game as United manager is certainly my pick for game of the season. Whilst Ferguson would have wanted a simple 3-0 away win, he failed to get his wish, and football fans were treated to a feast of goals and a host of entertainment. Whilst I fully expected injury time to continue until United scored a sixth, a final, sympathetic, ‘Fergie time’, it was not to be, but it was a hell of a game!

 

Summer Transfer Targets (What I Think They Need): With the introduction of David Moyes, it is very difficult to accurately predict what style of play he will attempt to implement. With Ferguson in an ‘overwatch’ position, I suspect not much will change. If this is the case, not many need bringing in. Perhaps another defender wouldn’t go amiss, with Leighton Baines a possible, but the champions seem to have a well-knit group already.

 

Transfer Gossip Links:

In:

Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund, ST), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus, CM), Radamel Falcao (Atletico Madrid, ST), Angelo Ogbonna (Torino, CB), Ilkay Gundogan (Borussia Dortmund, CDM), Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace, LW, £15million), David Moyes (Everton, Manager), Marouane Fellaini (Everton, CAM), Leighton Baines (Everton, LB), Nicolas Gaitan (Benfica, RM)

Out:

Sir Alex Ferguson (Retirement, Manager), Anderson (???, CM), Nani (???, LW), Wayne Rooney (PSG, ST)

Sir Alex Ferguson Retires: An End of An Era

             The phrase I use in my title is certainly clichéd, but in this case I think there can be no doubt it is correct. Sir Alex Ferguson, one of the most controversial and successful managers of all time, has announced he is to retire at the end of this season, after a magnificent career spanning nearly 40 years. Such an announcement does not come as a surprise, especially when I heard he was planning to have hip surgery at the end of the season. From the humble beginnings of lowly East Stirling in 1974, Ferguson’s career has been on a seemingly never-ending incline, leading to him being the longest serving top flight manager and most decorated manager in the history of English football. With 38 trophies at Manchester United, a place on the Board of Directors, and a stand at Old Trafford named in his honour, Ferguson’s place in the history of both Manchester United and the English game is assured.

 

                Sir Alex Ferguson’s career is a long list of honours, both on and off the pitch, and during his 26 years in charge of Manchester United, he has seen many significant high points. Such examples would include the first title for the Red Devils in 26 years, collected in 1993, the first English team to complete the treble, achieved in 1999, and the surpassing of the previously considered unbeatable Liverpool record of 18 top flight titles, back in 2011. As Manchester United manager, he has seen and experienced it all in the English game, and has had many memorable battles along the way. Initially, his lack of success at United that put him on the brink of the sack. A calculated risk by the United board to allow him to continue, and one that has paid off in the most spectacular fashion. His rivalries on the pitch are also well documented, and none you can say with any certainty he has comprehensively lost. Firstly, the battles in the mid-90s with Newcastle United and Kevin Keegan in particular, prompting the famous ‘love it’ lines. Secondly, his late-90s and early 2000’s spats with Arsene Wenger. Whilst Arsenal did win three titles, most famously the ‘Invincibles’ season, United and Ferguson remained top dog around those years. And who was there to end the ‘Invincibles’ winning run? Manchester United of course. Arguably his most famous personal spat was with Rafa Benitez during his stint at Liverpool, whose infamous ‘fact’ rant saw him lose significant credibility. The only battle that could be argued Ferguson has lost during his career is versus Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea. Statistics favour Mourinho in this department, with him winning more games than the Scot when the two have come face-to-face. He also oversaw two relatively runaway back-to-back title victories, a feat which no other manager has achieved against Sir Alex. Nevertheless, once Mourinho departed for Inter Milan, Ferguson reclaimed the top spot. More recently, the threat coming from Roberto Mancini’s Manchester City has forced Ferguson into action once more, and, after narrowly losing the 2012 title, he eased to his 13^th league title this year.

 

                There has also been a more controversial side to Sir Alex during his years in charge. Whilst these may be no more than the jealous mutterings of those fans who have been on the receiving end of his success, they still bear consideration. His all too regular berating of officials has seen him accumulate several FA punishments, fines and bans, and for some, these punishments and charges have not occurred regularly enough. They have also often led to specific referees being given fewer Manchester United matches, leaving favoured refs, such as Howard Webb, to referee the majority of Old Trafford fixtures. This has been argued to go some way to explaining the accumulation of penalty awards in favour of the home side. His infamous 2003 Beckham-boot incident led to subsequent revelations about his temper. This temper has also led him at times to exaggerate and over-dramatise situations when things have failed to go his way. Such examples have occurred this season, both when he claimed Robin van Persie could have been killed after receiving a ball to the head at Swansea, and when he neglected his press duties after defeat in the Champions League to Real Madrid, the latter smacking of ‘control freakery’ when his players seemed to do the same. However, a certain amount of needle is essential in being a successful manager, and his sometimes overdramatic antics simply make for good television. Without him, phrases such as ‘squeaky bum time’ would not have been created, and we wouldn’t get to see his dreadful, strange, double arm waving goal celebrations! Being passionate is not necessarily a bad thing, and whilst some of his actions over the years may have been misguided, they merely go to show that he is, in fact, human.

 

                His retirement undoubtedly leaves a chasm which Manchester United seem unable to adequately fill. Whilst bookmakers have placed Jose Mourinho as firm favourite to succeed Fergie, I have my doubts. His ‘where I am loved’ comments after Madrid’s Champions League semi-final exit last week are more indicative of Chelsea, not United. Hints made by both Mourinho and Chelsea interim manager Rafa Benitez support this conclusion. If not Mourinho, who else? Ferguson’s retirement announcement has come too late to secure the services of Pep Guardiola, who is now contracted to Bayern Munich. Whilst the rumour mill will ensure that many names will be thrown into consideration, serious contenders that have come into the frame are Everton’s David Moyes, and Borussia Dortmund’s Jurgen Klopp. In my opinion, Moyes’s inexperience in guiding a title-challenging club fatally harms his chances. Whilst his knowledge of the English game and his eye for a bargain is unquestionable, he lacks the necessary experience to win titles. Klopp, on paper at least, appears a better fit. However, there is no guarantee that he will have the ability to manage in the English game. There is also no guarantee that anyone who is brought in to replace Ferguson will have his tactical abilities and his ability to gel squads.

 

                Sir Alex Ferguson is the iconic manager when discussing English football, and his achievements, in my opinion, will never be surpassed. Almost certainly, we will never again see a reign at a club as long as his. Manchester United have a herculean task to replace him, and I fear for his successor, as the pressure placed upon him will be almost unbearable. As for the club itself, I believe that this end of an era will take a toll. Whether they can recover sufficiently to challenge for future glory remains to be seen. If they fail to, this merely reinforces my assertion that Sir Alex Ferguson is irreplaceable, and that he is, or was, the driving force behind many of the 13 titles and 38 trophies he won at United.

 

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