The 3M company: Mata, Moyes and Manchester United

Moyes

Dull, staid, passive and lacking imagination are just some of the terms that have been hurled at the feet of David Moyes in his time as Manchester United manager. From elation, fuelled by the most sincerest faith in Sir Alex Ferguson’s choice of successor, to dejection leading to questioning the legendary manager’s pick, United fans have been a scarred lot.

David Moyes at a Manchester United training session

The first six months under Moyes have been difficult, considering the vast amount of success the club enjoyed under his predecessor. But as much as the magnanimity of the change was projected, for everyone associated with the club the depth of it is being understood only now. Changing 26 years of history doesn’t happen in one fell swoop, it takes time, especially if you have chosen the way United have.

Having said that, Ferguson’s public assurance of the squad being in good shape for the incoming manager to take over, was merely that, an assurance. The amount of spadework left for Moyes was humongous. Not only was the squad in need of a revamp, but it was also about managing the alpha-male star players in the dressing room, and that’s one area where Moyes absolutely got no change from the senior players in the first few months.

But, more than the struggles, its the manner of the struggles that has got fans of the club and the watching public disconcerted. The traditional strong points that United wore on their chest – a winning attitude, a supreme sense of self-confidence and an ability to fight it out even when over-matched on the field, seem to have gone away with Ferguson’s departure, neatly tucked inside his trenchcoat. So signing Mata is not just about signing a really good player, its about infusing some much needed positivity around the club.

Moyes’s penchant for hardwork and grit and his ability in bringing through youngsters are unquestionable. Over the years, he has done a fine job in both those departments managing Everton, and Preston before that. And he must be given credit for having the courage to back young Adnan Januzaj this season. The real question that everybody out there has is, can he manage the thoroughbreds, like Mata, like Robin van Persie, and like some of the future transfer targets mentioned by the press.

Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck are two players who seem to have found a groove under Moyes, but they do not exactly fit into the same mould as Mata and van Persie, not for want of class, but for the sheer industriousness that accompanies their performances.

After the debacle in the summer transfer window, praise must be lent to Moyes for the way he handled the Mata transfer. His gregariousness in getting the deal done once he came to know of the opportunity must be commended. Unlike in the summer, him and Ed Woodward moved swiftly to take advantage of the situation before other suitors could throw their hat in the ring

A lot hinges on this Mata transfer for Moyes. If, as he says, it is a forebearer of things to come for United, it is indeed a welcome sign; for United would no longer look as toothless as they have so far this season while also, on a higher level, being indicative of the fact that Moyes is ready to cut down on the conservative approach and go in for a more attacking one, one that has come to be synonymous with Old Trafford over the years. He hasn’t exactly covered himself in glory with some of his selections until now, but how he treats Mata and how he plays him, will be important from the perspective of players of similar ilk wanting to work under him as their manager.

Moyes was until now the little boy with the wrong marbles; he’s now got a brand new, shiny one to use and he needs to ensure he strikes it rich while also managing to make good use of the ones he currently has.

And in so doing, ensure a revival in fortunes for his club.