David Moyes – What is he doing right?

Article by e-Manchester United Correspondent Mark Harbottle

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It’s probably fair to say David Moyes has received his fair share of criticism since he took over the mantle at Manchester United some 8 months ago. I also think in any other club he’d have been shown the door more than once. Whilst the social media have been quick to nit-pick every bad decision from player bids through to formation and team rotation, the bottom line is David Moyes is still sat on his red Chevrolet-sponsored throne with probably another 18 months safely in the bag. So what has he done right to justify this?

Player management

Admittedly, not every player. Whilst Moyes is overdosing on Thomas Cleverley to avoid catching Kagawa-itis, he has been admirable in the way he has managed a few big names in our squad. Starting with Wayne Rooney, Moyes was clear at the beginning of the season that everyone had to prove their worth to play under his reign. If anyone has proved their weight in gold it’s Wazza, who had an exceptional start to the season. Moyes has publicly praised this player with a shiny new contract and (astronomical) salary – sending a message out to the vultures at Real Madrid, Chelsea et al that Manchester United will pay the right money for the right players (Kroos, Cavani, are you reading?).

Secondly Namanja Vidic. Our captain and stalwart for years. Some might argue that the recent news of Vidic heading to Italy should have broken over the summer, but he hasn’t been as sharp in recent months, and perhaps Moyes was looking to move him on without pushing him out the back door. Letting him publicly move has allowed Vidic to make his own decision, choose his own club. Now when he walks out on the pitch we know he will give his last breath to finish as high as humanly possible in the table. Moyes has given focus to a player who is repaying his loyalty to our club.

When Moyes has this squad where he wants, it’ll be this unique player management that will get the best out of everyone. It’s clear that many players aren’t putting in 100%, and I suspect they won’t be with us next season.

Honesty

Fergie could have written a book on handling the media (he’s already written a couple of chapters on it). Forever twisting his words, sending underlying messages and spent almost as much time in the stands as he did the dug out for his choice of phrases. All we’ve heard from our Manager is “bad luck”, “not good enough” and “need to do better”. I’ve got a lot of time for him when he doesn’t blame the weather/pitch/fixture list. He’s not hiding behind anything, and I think the media and directors at MUFC can see this as well. This attitude isn’t putting points on the table, but it’s certainly giving the Glazers a reason to believe Moyes.

Sticking to his guns

I won’t go over the crossing statistics or style that has cost points this season, but they are pretty woeful. Moyes has clearly looked at his squad and felt the best he can get out of this is through a certain style of play i.e. wide support. He believes in his methods, and will bring in his own players to win a certain way. Respect to you David for not caving in to pressure from the media and fans.

Focussed on the future

His open letter to the fans tells me that Moyes is standing up on his own feet and reminding us all this is a long term project. He needs time, and he’s earned that. I could spend hours arguing how awful the season has been, but I’d probably summarise with “this summer we will improve”. Moyes has got the funds, the targets and has been spotted putting the graft in personally scouting players which will reap the rewards.

He’s not Fergie

If Moyes had turned up on 1st July and done exactly what Fergie would have done, played the same way, said the same things and used the same phrases without the results, our complaint would be that he’s not being himself. Sir Alex wanted someone to run the ship and he believes in David Moyes and his methods. Of course they’re going to be different (cue transition period, ageing squad etc. etc.), but by making changes we can see that it’s going to take time.

I’m confident about the future of Manchester United, and given the above points I’m happy to take one step back for two or three forward. I have every faith that we’ll be a rejuvenated squad come the 2014/15 season, and those that have made ‘the cut’ will be all the better for the experience. Let’s not focus too much on the future for now, and get a few more 3-pointers on the board!

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