The time, after the end of the 2012-13 and the start of the 2013-14 Barclays Premier League season, saw quiet a number of changes. A few managers getting the sack, the chaos in the transfer market by clubs to boost their squad.
The biggest shock came, when a particular Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement from football. The man, who built one of the most followed football club on the globe. The man, who carved a name out for himself in the heart of every Red Devil.
The debate going on everywhere was: “Who would be the Chosen One? Who would be the man to replace Captain Jack Sparrow at the helm of Manchester United?”
After a lot of speculation, Sir Alex chose another Scot. The man he believed had the same hunger to succeed as himself. The man in charge of the Toffees at that time, David Moyes.
From the time David Moyes signed for United, social media started trending with #InMoyesWeTrust and #MoyesOut. The Old Trafford faithful had a lot of expectations from the chosen one. The pressure associated with the job was immense.
Moyes had quite a lot on his plate since his arrival. He had to settle down at the Theatre of Dreams, became active in the transfer market, end the Wayne Rooney Saga and above all, emulate the success of his predecessor.
The Transfer Market:
The failure to sign any desired targets in the transfer market earned him the wrath of the fans. There were a lot of names linked to United with Alexis Sanchez, Nicolas Gaitan, Leighton Banes and Marouane Fellani.
A couple of failed bids for Fabregas, losing out on youngster Ander Herrera and failure to capitalize on Mesut Ozil‘s transfer was not a pious start to his United career.
The only signing the Scot could successfully complete, was that of the Belgian, Marouane Fellani who hasn’t settled at Old Trafford either.
Pre-Season:
United’s pre-season tour was awful. They lost their opening match to Singha All Stars, managing to win only two of their fixtures, against A-League All Stars and Kitchee FC. All the other matches were either a draw or a loss. The fans had him on their knives’ edge.
The FA Community Shield:
On 11th August 2013, United faced Wigan Athletic in the curtain raiser of the season. Wigan, though relegated to the Championship, had defeated City in the FA Cup final the previous season.
David Moyes could not have afforded to take things lightly. The match saw United dominate possession, play beautiful free flowing football and offer a glimpse of the team that were crowned Champions.
A brace from Robin Van Persie sealed the trophy. This victory gave the squad and the fans the much needed confidence in their new manager.
The Barclays Premier League and The League Cup:
The first game of the Premier League saw United face Swansea at the Liberty Stadium. Two quick fire goals from Robin Van Persie and a brace from Welback sealed their victory.
For United’s first home game, Jose Mourinho arrived with his blues at Old Trafford. A lacklustre draw against Chelsea was hardly the encounter anyone expected.
The next match for them was “The Battle of the Reds” at Anfield. United were beaten by Liverpool, which fuelled #MoyesOut further.
In the next match, the reds bounced back with a victory over Crystal Palace. United then traveled across town for the most awaited match in the city of Manchester. The match to decide the fate of the city. The Manchester Derby. United were humiliated by City at the Etihad in a 4-1 defeat. David Moyes was done and dusted.
Another shock waited Moyes as the League Cup fixture was announced. United were to face Liverpool once again, this time at home. This was a match Moyes could not afford to lose. Manchester United rose up from the ashes to defeat Liverpool, courtesy Chicharito Hernandez.
Moyes was a relieved man. He was looking forward to building upon the winning momentum, with WBA visiting Old Trafford over the weekend. Little did he know, that he will be in for one of the biggest shock from the Baggies. West Brom defeated them 3-2, bagging their first win at the Theatre of dreams since 1978.
Currently, doubt lingers in the mind of every United fan about the credibility of their new manager. However, every United fan knew from the start that the transition was never going to be easy. David Moyes has inherited the squad from Sir Alex, but he needs time to install his ideology, confidence and faith in them. The Premier League season is a marathon and not a sprint. Every Old Trafford faithful needs to get behind the manager and their team at this moment.
In the words of Sir Alex, “Your job now is to stand by our new manager. That is important ”.
Manchester United travel to Ukraine to face FC Shakhtar Donetsk in their next encounter. Victory in Europe is never easy and always hard earned.
Losing this match will pile up even more misery on the new manager. David Moyes must look forward to win the match, gain a momentum and build on it for the rest of the season.
#InMoyesWeTrust