Incoming Manchester United boss David Moyes knows the challenge he faces at Old Trafford, but he’s more than up to it, according to football pundit Mark Lawrenson.
Moyes is set to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson in charge of the Red Devils, after the veteran Scotsman called time on his 26-year United career this season.
And Lawrenson, who considers the ex-Everton boss a friend, is convinced Moyes has the qualities necessary to succeed at the highest level.
“The expectations at Manchester United are absolutely massive,” he told MM. “He knows what he’s in for.
“When he was manager of Everton if he lost a game he wouldn’t speak to his wife for a day – that’s just the way that he is.
“He knows it’s a massive job but he’s football mad. He’s one of those guys you meet and he’s scary – he’s got a bit of presence about him.”
Lawrenson believes the United board see certain traits in Moyes that they had in Ferguson, making him the ideal successor.
He has built up the entire set-up at Goodison Park and employs a rigorous scouting procedure, resulting in an excellent strike rate in the transfer market.
However, the Match of the Day man thinks Moyes may have believed his lack of trophies would prevent him from landing a top Premier League job.
And, having taken a leap of faith on the 50-year-old, the club’s owners must now make a statement by backing him with a big summer signing.
“I wouldn’t mind betting that in the summer they will go and sign a top, top player,” added Lawreson.
“They might want Bale, they might want Ronaldo, but they might not be able to get them.
“If you are on the board at Manchester United and you have had this guy for 26 years and he has been a roaring success and you appoint a new guy, you would then furnish him with the best players you possibly could.
“It’s amazing the difference a statement like that could make.”
Lawrenson was speaking at the announcement of this year’s National Football Museum Hall of Fame inductees.
Image courtesy of BBC, via YouTube, with thanks.
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