Former United great calls for patience with new manager.
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Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has leaped to the defence of under-fire manager David Moyes, calling for fans to have patience with the new boss.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Schmeichel pointed out that United had a similarly shaky start last season before eventually winning the Premier League title by 13 points, in response to Moyes receiving a great deal of criticism for last weekend’s 4-1 humiliation to rivals Manchester City.
The former Everton boss was charged with replacing the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford after his retirement at the end of last season, and Schmeichel believes it was brave of him to take on such a difficult job, and that he deserves to be rewarded with patience.
Regardless, with Moyes signing a six-year contract with the Red Devils, the Dane pointed out that he certainly wouldn’t be going anywhere anytime soon.
“We always knew that whatever happened after Sir Alex, it would be a bumpy road. Someone had to be really brave and take that job,” Schmeichel said.
“We knew every little thing that he does would be scrutinised and reported on in the media. It would be a debate – is he good enough?
“Has he got a few games left before he loses his game? He signed a six-year contract, there’s a reason behind the six years.
“People in football have short memories. The start of last season is the same as this season you know.
“We played relatively few number of games and had two defeats one at Everton then Spurs at home and we still managed to win by 13 points.”
Moyes also received criticism for failing to land several of his top targets during the summer transfer window, with many believing the players currently on show at Old Trafford are not quite up to scratch, though Schmeichel again believes this is a massive over-reaction.
He added: “I listened to the radio on the way here and they’re saying it’s not even a top four squad, and I’m thinking ‘guys where do you get this from?”