Manchester United Boss David Moyes Rejects Sir Alex Ferguson’s Advice On Staff

Posted by

Struggling new boss turns down sage advice.

Check in to Sunderland vs Manchester United

Former Manchester United goalkeeping coach Eric Steele has revealed that manager David Moyes has rejected advice given to him by predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson telling him to keep a hold of the previous regime’s back room staff, Sky Sports reports.

Steele was axed by Moyes in the close season, along with assistant manager Mike Phelan and first-team coach Rene Meulensteen. Instead, Moyes elected to bring Chris Woods, Steve Round and Jimmy Lumsden with him from Everton, whilst also appointing former United and Toffees midfielder Phil Neville in his first full-time coaching role.

United went down 2-1 to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, making it their worst start to the league in 24 years and Moyes now finds himself under incredible pressure.

And now Steele has piled the pressure on by revealing how his departure was handled.

“He spoke to me, Mick and Rene,” Steele told the United We Stand fanzine. “I told him I thought it was a brave decision.

“He listened to the manager’s advice, but he wanted to be his own man.”

Steele arrived at Old Trafford in 2008 having previously worked at rivals Manchester City, and he has been largely credited as the man to rid David De Gea of his shaky performances.

He has said that though he respects Moyes’ decision, he believes that the new boss has only made his job tougher in doing so.

“I didn’t want to leave. Why would I?” he added. “I knew that David was coming in and wondered who he’d bring.

“You had the United perspective – the manager saying, ‘Keep what we’ve got, keep the continuity, work with them and they’ll guide you through. You’re taking on a massive machine here. You’ve gone from Marks and Spencer’s to Harrods.’

“Then there’s David’s viewpoint, which I understand. I know him professionally. I know his work ethic, his hands-on approach.

“I don’t blame him for doing what he did. I’ve been in the game long enough to know how it is.

“But it’s ironic, isn’t it? You’ve just been part of a team that has had a great season and won the league. David De Gea’s had his best season. Does it make sense that you’re not retained to continue the good work? Sadly, that’s out of my hands.”

 

More Stories Manchester United FC