Moyes So Far!

[Dreaded]

Dunno about Preston.

If he has a vision, philosophy then has he articulated that in public? If not then all we have to go on is how he has set his teams up and his record against the top sides does speak volumes.

Fergie was a gambler, a striker, his view was we can outscore the opposition, it was positive first. Moyes has shown he is more tentative, negative to the point where he sets the tram.up to negate the opposition more than actually setting us up that works to our advantage, that's definitely the mentality of a manager happy to scrape a result rather than create a result through a positive team selection.

Now you are just rewriting history.

SAF was the greatest manager of all time and yes he would take a gamble when we were losing. But in big games and in Europe the team setup was, more often than not, cautious and defensive.

 

[Rood]

Our wingers may as well not have played last season, and they haven't started this one much better.

I agree on Young, squad player at best. But aside from him we're not exactly looking at a group that will go down in history in the great tradition of wingers at Utd.

I don't see it as Moyes persisting with poor players really, injuries and internationals have limited his options, it isn't Moyes fault that our best back up is Ashley Young.

Our wings couldn't be any less productive if we just stuck Adnan and Zaha out there now.

I have no issue with seeing Adnan and/or Zaha get a run out if others arent performing, but before that Nani and Kagawa need to play. We have many options and I am sure that Moyes will be trying various combos until he finds his best team.

Young is clearly way off form - in fact I doubt Moyes had planned to start Young against City, I think Welbeck would have played there if RVP was fit. After that he probably went for Young over Nani as he is better defensively.

 

[sullydnl]

David Moyes warns of 'more blows' to come at Manchester United

• Scot admits to difficult start as Old Trafford manager
• Robin van Persie out of Capital One Cup tie with Liverpool

David Moyes has admitted he might have to "take a few more blows" in his first season as Manchester United manager, warning there will be more difficult times to come as he tries to make the handover from Sir Alex Ferguson as seamless as possible.

Moyes, who missed out on several targets during the transfer window, said he was "shocked" by the 4-1 thrashing against Manchester City on Sunday, and indicated for the first time that the team he inherited from Ferguson had obvious deficiencies. The former Everton manager has previously talked about a side who are capable of winning the Premier League and Champions League, but now appears to have his own doubts about their quality. "I think a lot of people thought Manchester United [winning the title] last season, that it was probably the form of the other teams that was poor," he said.

Moyes had not initially planned to hold a press conference to preview Wednesday's Capital One Cup tie against Liverpool but changed his mind after the City defeat. "I think it's important that I took the punches," he explained. "I've taken the punches and I'm happy to do that. Not for a minute did I think this Manchester United job was going to be an easy job. There will be days like we had on Sunday and there might be more of them because we are in a period where there will be transition, there's a new manager for the players and, in turn, there will be new players.

"I don't think it's actually the squad, I think we've got numbers. I think maybe we've got work to do to bring in players not for the squad but to go right into the team. It's not necessarily the squad players we needed, we needed one or two who might have gone in [to the team]. That will happen. But going back to that transfer window, we always said it was going to be a tough one and it was going to take a little bit more time.

"It does mean I may have to take a few more blows, definitely. Maybe even more than that. Maybe all season I have to take a few blows but I knew this was going to be the case because I was taking over from a great manager and it was always going to take time for me to get my own ways and change things round a little bit."

Liverpool have already beaten United this season and Moyes, still missing the injured Robin van Persie, must decide whether to stick to the club's usual policy of using younger players in this competition or fielding a stronger side than he had originally planned to lessen the risk of a bad few days getting any worse.

"I think the team has played well [overall]. If you were being really fair you'd have to say that Manchester United have played well, but that [City] was a poor performance, really. We have not played badly except at Manchester City.

"We looked quite easy to play against, which is not the norm for Manchester United. I think the one thing here is that any team should always have a hard game against Manchester United. But I thought we were just too easy to play against. It was the basics. I hadn't seen that before. I also have to say I hadn't seen that level of performance from Manchester City either. But I hadn't seen that poor a performance from us, so there was quite a contrast."

City, by Moyes's own admission, might have made his first experience of the Manchester derby even more harrowing, the United manager accepting that Manuel Pellegrini's team had looked capable of scoring six or seven when they took a 4-0 lead early in the second half. "I'm not daft. I know we were in real danger at that moment. I took a little bit [of encouragement] that we tried to make sure nothing went any further because at that time it could have. But, by that time, Manchester City knew they didn't have to do any more, so I'm also aware of that."

Van Persie is still troubled by a groin injury, with Moyes rating him as having only an "outside chance" for Saturday's game at home to West Bromwich Albion.

"You just hope there will be a reaction and I'm sure there will be," United's manager continued. "When you've got the players we have, I can see it written all over their faces how they feel.

"It doesn't really matter whether I have seen a reaction [in training]. The reaction has to be seen when you people [media and public] can see it. I'm still getting to know all the players here. I'll get a chance to know more of them this week, and hopefully they will show what they can do."

 

[Alock1]

I just saw that... surprised by a lot of things he said there.

Wanting players for the first team, that last season we won the title cause of other teams poor form???

I can only imagine he is doing this to try and gage a reaction from the players tomorow, so far he has always been behind them, happy with them, and praising how far ahead they were last season.

I hope it is that and not trying to get excuses in early.

 

[AlwaysRedwood]

Wanting players for the first team, that last season we won the title cause of other teams poor form???
.

Obviously true. We didn't win it by a comfortable margin because we were amazing.

Let's not go RAWK and start getting upset with the man for speaking the obvious.

 

[sglowrider]

I think if the squad was so poor and we won by so many points, it only shows how great a manager Fergie was in squeezing every ounce of this 'poor team.'

 

[An Irish Red]

I hope it is that and not trying to get excuses in early.

That's what it sounds like to me unfortunately.

 

[Alock1]

Obviously true. We didn't win it by a comfortable margin because we were amazing.

Let's not go RAWK and start getting upset with the man for speaking the obvious.

Strange way of showing confidence in your players..

He has been saying the opposite all summer, so like I say I assume it is more about trying to get a reaction from the players.

Will the lack of faith pay off though?

 

[Alock1]

I doubt youll find another post from me criticising him.. and in my post I just showed surprise and said I imagine his intentions are about the team and not himself.

 

[Shimo]

As long as he keeps playing the likes of Young in important games and even Valencia (in current form) when there are other players that could be claiming a stake to first team places, it's not a matter of the window not bringing in players that can go into the first 11, it's Moyes being too safe and those safe choices are backfiring. Even choices like leaving out Evans who was excellent last season and playing center backs when you've got the likes of Fabio because he is going for safe choices which in reality are not safe are big cause of issues in the games against Liverpool and City.

When he decides to take a little "risk" and play the players that have the quality to be first team players in the right positions - maybe then he won't have to say the club will have to take further blows.

 

[Sam]

Love everything he said. In fact, coming after that Derby, I feel far more relaxed hearing his comments. I was worried that he'd come out with all the usual 'happy with the squad' crap and that he'd deem the likes of Young and Valenica good enough, but coming out and admitting that we do lack quality in the team, and that he is going to do something about it I find fantastically reassuring and positive. Its becoming clearer and clearer that Moyes knows this team has issues, knows exactly what they are, and plans on doing something about it.

 

[MDFC Manager]

I, among others, wondered why the hell we were going in for the likes of Hazard and Moura.

Turns out the club see things we obviously can't.

Completely agreed. I'm sure we'll be in the market for a star wideman soon enough.

 

[Ole's_toe_poke]

"I think a lot of people thought Manchester United [winning the title] last season, that it was probably the form of the other teams that was poor," he said.

Not a lot wrong with what he said except the quoted bit IMO.

Not sure if its taken out of context, but surely the manager shouldn't be saying that the squad won the title because others were poor. I mean, even if its true its not great for squad morale.

 

[devilish]

Finally someone at OT is calling a spade a spade. Its a bit of fresh air from the usual top red shite weve been fed by Paddy and co.

 

[Varun]

Not a lot wrong with what he said except the quoted bit IMO.

Not sure if its taken out of context, but surely the manager shouldn't be saying that the squad won the title because others were poor. I mean, even if its true its not great for squad morale.

Yeah, agree with that. Very good comments other than the part you quoted which was unnecessary.

He says he needs more time to get the team to play his way which I hope is more exciting than the way we play now and make no mistake, our starting 11 can definitely improve so its encouraging that he recognizes that. I think we'l be in the market for a CM again.

 

[Treble]

Yeah, agree with that. Very good comments other than the part you quoted which was unnecessary.

He says he needs more time to get the team to play his way which I hope is more exciting than the way we play now and make no mistake, our starting 11 can definitely improve so its encouraging that he recognizes that. I think we'l be in the market for a CM again.

....and more exciting than the way Everton played. Maybe it's just me, but I found their style a bit dull.

 

[Feed Me]

Preach it Moyes! He's said in that interview what we all knew. He's been speaking in reverential tones since he took over, but maybe the harrowing derby defeat has flicked a switch - the players clearly need a kick up the arse and the team does need improving.

Worrying that RvP's injury seems longer than expected.

 

[kps88]

Surprisingly honest interview there. Sounds like he's trying to bring down expectations to more realistic levels.

 

[Kevin]

Delighted he destroyed the Top Reds on here by claiming we won the title last year due to lack of quality from the rivals. Now for them to lambast Moyes and write him angry emails...

 

[Drifter]

Honest assessment from Moyes there. And highlights what a great manager SAF was to get us over the finishing line last season.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

I'm not sure about the taking blows all season bit. He has a pretty terrific squad at his disposal.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Surprisingly honest interview there. Sounds like he's trying to bring down expectations to more realistic levels.

I don't think expectations are unrealistic. Most people expect us to either win the title or come close, and I think that's fair based on the squad we have.

 

[Eric'sCollar]

I'm not sure about the taking blows all season bit. He has a pretty terrific squad at his disposal.

I think he means more disappointments. Every season has it's tough moments.

 

[B20]

David Moyes warns of 'more blows' to come at Manchester United

Spoiler

• Scot admits to difficult start as Old Trafford manager
• Robin van Persie out of Capital One Cup tie with Liverpool

David Moyes has admitted he might have to "take a few more blows" in his first season as Manchester United manager, warning there will be more difficult times to come as he tries to make the handover from Sir Alex Ferguson as seamless as possible.

Moyes, who missed out on several targets during the transfer window, said he was "shocked" by the 4-1 thrashing against Manchester City on Sunday, and indicated for the first time that the team he inherited from Ferguson had obvious deficiencies. The former Everton manager has previously talked about a side who are capable of winning the Premier League and Champions League, but now appears to have his own doubts about their quality. "I think a lot of people thought Manchester United [winning the title] last season, that it was probably the form of the other teams that was poor," he said.

Moyes had not initially planned to hold a press conference to preview Wednesday's Capital One Cup tie against Liverpool but changed his mind after the City defeat. "I think it's important that I took the punches," he explained. "I've taken the punches and I'm happy to do that. Not for a minute did I think this Manchester United job was going to be an easy job. There will be days like we had on Sunday and there might be more of them because we are in a period where there will be transition, there's a new manager for the players and, in turn, there will be new players.

"I don't think it's actually the squad, I think we've got numbers. I think maybe we've got work to do to bring in players not for the squad but to go right into the team. It's not necessarily the squad players we needed, we needed one or two who might have gone in [to the team]. That will happen. But going back to that transfer window, we always said it was going to be a tough one and it was going to take a little bit more time.

"It does mean I may have to take a few more blows, definitely. Maybe even more than that. Maybe all season I have to take a few blows but I knew this was going to be the case because I was taking over from a great manager and it was always going to take time for me to get my own ways and change things round a little bit."

Liverpool have already beaten United this season and Moyes, still missing the injured Robin van Persie, must decide whether to stick to the club's usual policy of using younger players in this competition or fielding a stronger side than he had originally planned to lessen the risk of a bad few days getting any worse.

"I think the team has played well [overall]. If you were being really fair you'd have to say that Manchester United have played well, but that [City] was a poor performance, really. We have not played badly except at Manchester City.

"We looked quite easy to play against, which is not the norm for Manchester United. I think the one thing here is that any team should always have a hard game against Manchester United. But I thought we were just too easy to play against. It was the basics. I hadn't seen that before. I also have to say I hadn't seen that level of performance from Manchester City either. But I hadn't seen that poor a performance from us, so there was quite a contrast."

City, by Moyes's own admission, might have made his first experience of the Manchester derby even more harrowing, the United manager accepting that Manuel Pellegrini's team had looked capable of scoring six or seven when they took a 4-0 lead early in the second half. "I'm not daft. I know we were in real danger at that moment. I took a little bit [of encouragement] that we tried to make sure nothing went any further because at that time it could have. But, by that time, Manchester City knew they didn't have to do any more, so I'm also aware of that."

Van Persie is still troubled by a groin injury, with Moyes rating him as having only an "outside chance" for Saturday's game at home to West Bromwich Albion.

"You just hope there will be a reaction and I'm sure there will be," United's manager continued. "When you've got the players we have, I can see it written all over their faces how they feel.

"It doesn't really matter whether I have seen a reaction [in training]. The reaction has to be seen when you people [media and public] can see it. I'm still getting to know all the players here. I'll get a chance to know more of them this week, and hopefully they will show what they can do."

Yes, yes. Going full Hodgson by the looks of it.

You should never go full Hodgson.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

Surprisingly honest interview there. Sounds like he's trying to bring down expectations to more realistic levels.

Agree totally, think some have under estimated the effect of a change of manager and coaching staff. Also over estimated how good we were last season. The other sides were very poor and we had Sir Alex then to drive our team on. I don't get why we are so surprised by the start. We have had some hard games and to be honest it is a typical United or Everton. Everton, apart from last season, were notorious slow starters. Maybe they needed a change of manager. His eyes have now been well and truly opened to our deficiencies.

 

[TheBest]

Yes, yes. Going full Hodgson by the looks of it.

You should never go full Hodgson.

I agree. Anyways I don't understand the rivals were poor and all. Regardless of rivals if we hadn't won the title early we could have gotten around 90 points. Its not about rivals, fergie got everything out of the squad. He is playing down the expectations.

 

[Ash_G]

Well it's certainly true that we weren't out free flowing best last season and we certainly benefited from city in particular being relatively poor, but there was still a core of quality to the team. I still think our problems stemmed from the lack of quality being provided outwide rather than a real problem in the players available. I think we've got the players who can provide from there, certainly enough who have proven themselves there to think we should be able to recitify it. Player for player I can't see how we don't have a team that shouldn't be right up there, I'm fully behind moyes but I'm not sure why given Chelsea and city have new managers as well that he thinks it will take him longer to settle in etc. fair enough expectations will be higher for him taking over from fergie but in terms of challenging for the league I don't see the problem.

They've gone to clubs with more money to spend but he's gone to the club that won the title with a huge margin and only just missed out the season before and he should know the league and the players better than his counterparts should.

 

[Grinner]

I can see Storey doing a Truffaut reference to this quote soon.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

I think he means more disappointments. Every season has it's tough moments.

But that goes without saying. The way he puts it makes it sound extremely negative and hopeless.

 

[Stack]

I don't think expectations are unrealistic. Most people expect us to either win the title or come close, and I think that's fair based on the squad we have.

You are in lala land if you think winning the title or coming close is realistic. There are a whole number of changes taking place which will have us out of contention for this season for the title. Top 4 will be a good effort when keeping all the changes in perspective.

 

[stand_free]

Rumours are he's losing the dressing room already. IF that is the case, he won't be around long.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

You are in lala land if you think winning the title or coming close is realistic. There are a whole number of changes taking place which will have us out of contention for this season for the title. Top 4 will be a good effort when keeping all the changes in perspective.

So were the only club out of the top ones that have through changes? How many points did we win the league by last season?

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Rumours are he's losing the dressing room already. IF that is the case, he won't be around long.

I bet that's absolute nonsense.

 

[Eric'sCollar]

Rumours are he's losing the dressing room already. IF that is the case, he won't be around long.

Those rumours are about as strong as Ashley Young's legs.

 

[kps88]

So were the only club out of the top ones that have through changes? How many points did we win the league by last season?

You're in for a long season!

 

[#07]

Rumours are he's losing the dressing room already. IF that is the case, he won't be around long.

Rumours from...?

 

[finneh]

I think the line up tonight will say a lot about Moyes as a character to be honest. If he plays the likes of Young, Valencia, Welbeck etc and we lose I would be far, far more disappointed than losing with a team set out to win.

I expect us at Old Trafford to start with a team that will go out and beat Liverpool, and beat them well (if we play well):

___Cleverley Carrick
Nani _________ Kagawa
______Rooney
_____Hernandez

 

[amolbhatia50k]

You're in for a long season!

I'm not sure whether well win it but I think well come close. As I've said in the other thread, it's going to be tight among the top 4 to 5 teams and I can see movement there. I can see the likes of arsenal or spurs pipping at least one of top 3. It's possible for sure. At the same time I do see us challenging. Yes, last season the league wasn't that strong and we made use of it but is the league strong this year? How good have Chelsea and city (prior to the last game) looked? Fact is, we did win the league last season by a mile and while I don't expect the same this season, expectations shouldn't have a 20 or so point swing with people expecting not even to challenge.

Given the squad, despite whatever changes (city have also had changes), we should challenge. Can I see us not challenging? Yes. But we still should do give our squad.

As for me personally given you said the bit about the long season, I wouldn't be that bother with us not challenging as long as we move towards a more exiting brand of football.

 

[Will Absolute]

You are in lala land if you think winning the title or coming close is realistic. There are a whole number of changes taking place which will have us out of contention for this season for the title. Top 4 will be a good effort when keeping all the changes in perspective.

I can imagine Real Madrid hiring a new manager and telling him, "We only won the league by ten points last season, and you've only been managing in La Liga for ten years, and we only offered you a blank cheque to improve the team during the summer, so top 4 is great.

 

[stand_free]

I bet that's absolute nonsense.

Probably is shite in fairness.