Is David Moyes the end of Manchester United?

Manchester United failed to qualify for Europe’s Premiere competition – this was simply unthinkable only a year ago.

Manchester United has by far been the most successful team from England. They have 20 league titles and 11 Football Association (FA) cups in their trophy cabinet to prove their dominance – more than any other team in the country. And they have one man to thank for all this success and glory, Sir Alex Ferguson. 

Sir Alex Ferguson bowed out as Manchester United manager at Old Trafford. Photo: Reuters

It was always going to be a tough task to follow in Ferguson’s footsteps. Although the Scot himself chose David Moyes to continue his legacy at Old Trafford, the selection raised some eyebrows since many felt that he didn’t fit the bill for such a high profile job.

Well, unfortunately, the fears and nightmares of every Manchester United fan around the world have turned into reality. The same fans who were used to seeing their side at the top of the league are now watching the painful sight of their team languishing outside the top places.

It has been a tale of constant decline since day one. And right now the Red Devils have hit such a low that even the most die-hard supporters of the club are finding it hard to swallow. The fact that it is almost the same squad as last season that won the Premiere League, in fact even better with the addition of Marouane Fellaini and Juan Mata, makes it even more baffling to understand the current poor run of form.

David Moyes has not been able to get the best out of his players. We all know that there is some friction between their star man Robin Van Persie and the manager.

Robin Van Persie and David Moyes don't seem to see eye-to-eye. Photo: AFP

His trusted player, Fellaini, has not hit the ground running for his new club and is struggling to adapt. Nemanja Vidić, their captain, has already announced that he will leave Old Trafford at the end of this season. When the captain decides to jump ship, it is a clear indication that things are not moving in the right direction.

The pieces of the empire are falling apart.

The squad needs some major overhauling in every department. Glazers backed Moyes with substantial funds in the January transfer window when he went and bought Juan Mata from Chelsea.

Moyes signed in Juan Mata from Chelsea. Photo: AFP

A similar act must be repeated in the summer if the Red Devils are to compete with the elite of England and Europe. But so far there have not been any signs of improvement to suggest that things will get better in the future.

Therefore, the question will surely arise in the minds of owners whether Moyes is the right person to be handed such a huge transfer kitty.

Sir Alex Ferguson pleaded with Old Trafford’s faithful to be patient with David Moyes and give him some breathing space and time to adjust in his new role of managing the biggest team in England. It was easier when Sir Alex took over 25 years ago when managers were given enough time to prove themselves and build their team and early failures were tolerated to gain long-term success and stability. However, in this modern day and age, football has become a result-based industry. The owners and fans want instant success.

Old Trafford used to be the fortress of the Red Devils. It was their Theatre of Dreams. Teams were afraid to go there since they knew they would be annihilated by the mighty Manchester United.

Teams would fear the Theatre of Dreams and the mighty Manchester United. Photo: AFP

Sadly, that fear factor is now gone. Even a mid-table side can go to Old Trafford these days and expect to get a good result. Moreover, there is a very strong possibility that Manchester United will not finish in the top four and hence, they will not qualify for the Champions League next season.

Manchester United failing to qualify for Europe’s Premiere competition – this was simply unthinkable only a year ago.

The loyalty of fans doesn’t let them accept the harsh reality. Most of them are blinded by love and they want to live in a state of denial. They are not accepting the fact that their own team is going downhill.

But they need to admit that Manchester United has fallen from grace.