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Following a disappointing defeat at the hands of bitter rivals Liverpool this past weekend, the prospects of David Moyes being sacked as Manchester United manager have been properly raised for the first time as key boardroom staff at Old Trafford have finally started to turn against the Scotsman.
The next week could prove pivotal for the former Everton manager as he needs to overturn a 2-0 deficit in the second leg of the round of 16 tie in the Champions League against Olympiakos, followed by a tricky away trip to West Ham in the league before he faces another daunting task to prepare his side for the Manchester derby in the midweek. A failure to impress the fans and the board in these matches could be the final nail in the manager’s coffin.
Old Trafford sources also believe that Sir Alex Ferguson, of late, has not been quite vocal in his backing of David Moyes, although he has not turned completely against his own replacement. The same sources, however, also state that club director and ambassador, Sir Bobby Charlton, still remain in support of Moyes.
Since the loss to Liverpool, reports have also emerged saying that there is a rift in the coaching staff and that Sir Alex Ferguson might be contemplating a return, and that Moyes’ training methods aren’t striking the right chord with players.
Apart from the recent poor performances, the most influential factor for the Glazer’s to now consider replacing Moyes has been the concerns around the finances and the commercial business of the club. Many key sponsors and commercial partners are believed to have let their dissatisfaction known to the club owners to be associated with a brand not succeeding on the field. This is said to have unnerved the hierarchy, and long-term damage to United as a “brand” could be the clinching point in any decision.
The same sources also believe that current Netherlands coach, Louis Van Gaal, would be interested in a summer move to Old Trafford, which would see him turning his back against Tottenham as he looks more intent in joining the reds. The United board plans to make a move for the Dutch coach if things don’t work out for David Moyes in the week ahead.
