24 reasons why Manchester United should NOT sack David Moyes

MOYES THE MANAGER

18) Moyes needs time

Moyes, as a football tactician, possesses his own principles, distinct from Sir Alex’s football philosophy. And to make his methods effective at United, he might need a few specialists (the kind of roles played by Tim Cahill, Fellaini in his Everton days). He also needs time to adapt to the rigours of managing close to 50 games in a season. Moyes would’ve learnt a thing or two about the art of squad-rotation with a team that plays multiple games every other week.

“I truly believe Moyes will get given the opportunity at Manchester United to complete his work. I’ve said myself, two to three years is the time that should be given to a manager for him to try and do a piece of work.”- Gary Neville

19) If upcoming results go in United’s favour, Moyes might be able to steer United into the Europa League next season. United are currently in seventh position, 3 points adrift of Spurs, who have played one game more. Even a sixth place finish will guarantee European football, courtesy Man City’s League Cup victory.

Playing in the Europa League might turn out to be a blessing in disguise for Moyes and his team. He might be able to attract good quality players who otherwise would turn him down in lieu of European football. Playing in the UEL is a much easier proposition than in the daunting UCL, which would give Moyes some breathing space both in terms of fans’ expectations and squad management.

If he can bolster his squad in the summer, United might just start as contenders for the trophy next season.

20) Experience comes from practice

Experts argue that Moyes has no experience of managing a team in Europe. Roberto Di Matteo didn’t have any experience before he delivered Chelsea’s greatest ever triumph. Pep Guardiola was only a managerial rookie before he turned Barcelona into indomitable European champions. The same can be said of Ottmar Hitzfeld, Frank Rijkaard and Vicente del Bosque.

Moyes is not being likened with these greats in any respect, but this is just to provide a perspective. Football management is a learning experience and you only learn from what you do. Moyes has never had the platform (with Preston) or the resources (with Everton) to garner experience in Europe’s elite football competition.

21) Manchester United historians would know that the team’s two most productive periods in terms of success and fame came under two different managers, both of which stayed at the club for a very long time. Not only United, many other football clubs have enjoyed long periods of success when there has been an aura of stability at the club.

Take Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley at Liverpool and del Bosque at Real Madrid. Moyes belongs to the same mould. Four years at Preston and then eleven at Everton, Moyes has always been loyal to his employers. After Fergie’s long reign, that is the sort of continuity that the United board was looking for and in Moyes, they have recruited the perfect candidate.