David vs Goliath

Jul 27, 2013 - T.N. Raghu

Tough ask: David Moyes has his task cut out at Manchester United — win, win and win.

David Moyes and Alex Ferguson are both Scots. The two Glaswegians are combative. And, the similarity between the former and current manager of Manchester United ends there. Comparing a man whose only title moment is winning the second division with Preston North End to Ferguson who claimed 38 trophies in his 26-year United tenure is unfair.

It would be the understatement of the year to say Moyes has gargantuan boots to fill in. Some fans are already worried about the former Everton manager’s ability to win trophies for a club who have no acquaintance with losing in the last two decades. The task in front of Moyes is unenviable. He has to win. He has to win in style. And, he has to win at once. For the Red Devils’ fans brought up on glory, losing isn’t an option.
If being at the helm of one of the biggest clubs in the world isn’t enough, Moyes also has to contend with the resplendent legacy of his predecessor. Ferguson’s record is an albatross around his successor’s neck. The United job could be a poisoned chalice for Moyes.
The biggest problem for Moyes could be his lack of familiarity with title glory during his decade-long tenure at Everton. When clubs such as Middlesbrough, Birmingham, Wigan and Portsmouth enjoyed their trophy moments in the FA Cup or the League Cup, Everton never won anything except respect.
Statistics reveal that Everton under Moyes never punched above their weight. The Toffees’ average league position just about matched their revenue. The Scot was no Alchemist at Goodison Park; he only succeeded in making Everton a tough team to beat. It’s undeniable that none of the big guns ever relished meeting Moyes’s Everton. At the same time, however, it must be said that managing a massive club like United is a different ball game altogether.
United’s struggle to lure Cesc Fabregas away from Barcelona illustrates the daunting task confronting Moyes. Fabregas might have forced his way out of Camp Nou had Ferguson still been in charge of the English giants. Moyes is an honourable man. Whether he has a strong chin will be known after the honeymoon period. The knives will be out for the younger Scot sooner than later.

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