Moyes at Manchester United - A David for a Goliath’s job?

David Moyes and his reign so far

“David Moyes is a Football Genius” were the words on the banner displayed during United’s home game against Liverpool. While scouse humour and sarcasm was at its best, we need to dig deeper to evaluate those words.

Succeeding one of the great managers the modern game has seen is no ordinary challenge especially for someone who has never managed a big team before.

Moyes’ appointment was no ordinary change and hence it is widely accepted that it is part of a “transition”. Now, transition is a word that is being liberally used these days. Managerial change, change in footballing philosophy, change in transfer policies and increased importance to bringing in youth players are all widely termed as “transition” these days. While it will be liberal to say that results have been disappointing under Moyes, there are other areas of his tenure that need to come under the scanner.

Style and Tactics

Shape wise, Moyes has predominantly stuck to a 4-2-3-1 formation centred on their front four. In such a system, the two players in the middle of the park are expected to (collectively or individually) have the steel and legs to screen the defence and possess creativity and passing ability to initiate forward forays. Fletcher and Carrick offer some of those attributes, but there are limited options beyond them. Cleverley is simply not a United player, and Fellaini’s form and fitness along with uncertainties to where he exactly belongs in Moyes’ game plan has not helped the team.

The wide players in the system are expected to offer pace, penetration and create chances either from the flanks or by cutting in. While Januzaj has shown great promise, options beyond him look bleak. Valencia, despite his industry is not a creative winger or an inside forward playing wide. Similarly, Mata’s lack of pace makes him unsuitable for such a role, while Welbeck provides only an added option. Considering that players available are not perfect to make the system work, Moyes should have been more flexible in his tactics and formations.

The gap between the scoring power of United and the big teams is significant this season. Chelsea, City, Liverpool and Arsenal have outscored United by 14, 31, 34 and 7 goals respectively. This is partly due to profligacy up front and also lack of creativity. Given this, the continued exclusion of Kagawa makes it further strange. Kagawa may not be the player Moyes wants, but still he is one of the more creative options as compared to the likes of Cleverley, Fellaini and Valencia.

Transfers

Moyes’ record so far in transfers remains unimpressive. While he cannot be blamed entirely for the summer window debacle, he still has to take a portion of the blame. Considering that he was appointed well before the summer transfer window, it ideally presented him with sufficient time to evaluate the squad and identify potential targets. The farce surrounding the failed pursuit of Ander Herrera and the fact that United could have landed Fellaini for 4 million GBP less (with his 23.5 million release clause expiring in July and United bidding 27.5 million in late August) just highlights the inability of their transfer department.

Either it is Ed Woodard or Moyes, poor business indeed. Moyes’ failed pursuit of Leighton Baines was a notable distraction. While other areas needed reinforcements (central defence, midfield, flanks) Moyes’ obsession for Baines was bewildering. While so far it has been unimpressive, Moyes has at least one more summer window to get his transfers right. A lot of dead wood needs to be cleared and replaced with players who can help United return to their previous levels. It remains to be seen whether without European football United (and Moyes) will be able to attract top talent.

Youth

While Moyes had done exceedingly well at Everton with limited resources, he is well known for not trusting youngsters. A play safe attitude towards results has often seen Moyes being reluctant to give youngsters a platform to excel (Rooney being an exception at Everton).

A club such as United is well known for grooming its youngsters and providing them with opportunities. The Class of ’92 being the most notable example, while in the recent past players such as Macheda, De Gea, Jones, Smalling, and Da Silva brothers have all been provided with opportunities of varying magnitudes. Moyes is expected to continue this legacy and has to break his perceived play safe attitude and give youngsters a chance.

Big games

Now, this is the area where Moyes has woefully failed beyond any acceptable levels. United have limped through all their big games this season, like an old dog waiting to be put down to relieve it of its misery. Moyes’ infamous record against the Big Four (especially the 40+ games winless streak away to the big teams) adds further to the scepticism about Moyes’ ability.

Moyes’ proclamation that United need to aspire to be like City (although true) is so uncalled for from a United manger. United fans and players would have felt demotivated and their pride hurt with statements such as these. Moyes has to retain the belief that United is still a top team and pass this belief on to his players. A tactically limited coach (compared to the likes of Mourinho, Pellegrini, Rodgers and even Martinez) cannot afford to get his man-management and motivation skills wrong.

Although it has been thoroughly unimpressive so far from Moyes on these fronts, Moyes definitely needs more time. While the great teams which have gone on to dominate were not built in one season (United under Ferguson, Liverpool under Shankly, Chelsea under Ranieri and Mourinho and the gradual improvement of Liverpool under Rodgers being examples), Moyes is slowly but surely running short of time.

In the modern cut-throat world where silverware, TV revenue and European qualification are the benchmarks, Moyes is yet to prove that he is the man to take United forward. Tick! Tick! Tick!