Neville: Moyes 'deserves the opportunity and time'

David Moyes’ days as Manchester United manager appear to be numbered.

Neville: Moyes 'deserves the opportunity and time'

David Moyes’ days as Manchester United manager appear to be numbered.

Moyes has reportedly lost the support of United’s owners – the Glazer family - and his contract is expected to be terminated.

United insisted that Moyes was still their manager yesterday, but refused to deny widespread reports the Scot was to be dismissed.

In previous weeks, officials behind the scenes have knocked down similar stories, so their refusal to do so this time is perhaps telling.

All eyes will be on United’s training ground in Carrington to see if Moyes turns up for work this morning.

Should the Scot not take training, his position would come under further scrutiny.

Former captain Gary Neville, who made over 600 appearances for United, wants the club to clear up the situation.

“Usually they don’t comment on anything, but they’re going to have to clarify this position quickly,” Neville told Sky Sports.

“They might have to break rank and do what they don’t normally do and make a statement pretty quickly.”

If Moyes’ 10-month reign is finally brought to an end on Tuesday, there will be no shortage of takers for the position.

Jurgen Klopp, Laurent Blanc and Louis van Gaal have the credentials to succeed, but perhaps a more popular choice would be to install Ryan Giggs, who is part of Moyes’ backroom staff having started taking his coaching badges earlier this season.

There is a perception among United fans that Giggs, perhaps along with Paul Scholes or Nicky Butt, could restore some pride and passion to the United dressing room after what has been a truly woeful season under Moyes.

The list of unwanted records broken during Moyes’ time at the helm is as embarrassing as it is long.

United will end the season with their lowest points total in Premier League history, they have not qualified for the Champions League for the first time in almost two decades and their home record this season is the worst since 1978.

The Red Devils, who won the title by 11 points under Sir Alex Ferguson last year, are seventh in the Barclays Premier League with four matches left.

In the immediate aftermath of United’s 11th league defeat of the season, Moyes seemed unaware pressure on his shoulders was growing.

“We need to end the season on a high,” the 50-year-old told MUTV after the 2-0 loss at Everton. “We want to win all our games.

“We’ll do everything we possibly can to make that happen.”

Neville urged United not to follow the trend of other clubs who hire and fire every season, and instead allow Moyes the chance to show what he can do.

He said: “I genuinely believe when you give a man a six-year contract that he deserves the opportunity and time and professionally the respect.

“Football is a world of madness. The average manager gets sacked every 12 months and I’ve always felt Manchester United should be different, hold themselves up as a club that basically stands against what’s happening in the game.

“We used to laugh at Italy 20 years ago and say it’s ridiculous what’s happening there. Now we’ve almost become accustomed to it.

“I’m hoping the club will come out and clarify it, and maybe it won’t be true.”

more courts articles

Squatters slowly filter out of Gordon Ramsay’s pub Squatters slowly filter out of Gordon Ramsay’s pub
Squatters vow to remain in Gordon Ramsay-rented pub after ‘deal with owner’ Squatters vow to remain in Gordon Ramsay-rented pub after ‘deal with owner’
Sun publisher loses bid to push back full trial of legal challenges Sun publisher loses bid to push back full trial of legal challenges

More in this section

Chelsea stun Barcelona to take first-leg lead back to Stamford Bridge Chelsea stun Barcelona to take first-leg lead back to Stamford Bridge
DLR Waves FC v Shelbourne FC - SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division Noel King returns to League of Ireland as Dundalk's new manager
RB Leipzig v Liverpool - Pre Season Friendly - Red Bull Arena Jurgen Klopp: Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota give Liverpool ‘a chance’
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited