David Moyes has an attitude problem.
As an Everton fan, I’m better placed that most to make this statement and no doubt Manchester United fans will already be coming round to this realisation.
He’s not arrogant about it; however his attitude towards managing team, and fan, expectations is just not right.
When Moyes took over at Goodison Park in 2002, Everton were perennial relegation contenders.
He came in and immediately enforced an ‘us against the world’ mentality, with the whole ‘People’s Club’ statement, which was very successful.
In his second full season he ensured qualification for the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history, only to be knocked out in a highly controversial qualifying tie with Spanish-side Villareal.
But by the end of his 11-year reign, Everton had stagnated, partly down to a lack of financial clout but partly down to a negative attitude emanating from the manager and his more trusted on-field generals
Before Mr Moyes had written his side’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League for a second time due to lack of investment in the January transfer window, Phil Neville, now United’s first team coach, said a tenth place finish would constitute success for the Toffees.
Although realistic these are not exactly the most inspiring of words.
Fast forward to Sunday, just 24 hours after West Brom’s first victory at Old Trafford since 1978 had confirmed United’s worst league start in 24 years.
Ahead of a daunting trip to east Ukraine to face Shakhtar Donetsk, Moyes’ comments won’t have filled anybody in Europe with fear.
“To win the Champions League you need five or six world-class players,” he said.
“That’s the level you have to be at to win it.
“We’ve not got that yet but what we have got is experience.”
These words aren’t exactly inspiring on the back of two embarrassing league performances.
After the crushing 4-1 defeat to Manchester City Moyes said: “There were always going to be days like this and there might well be more days like this.”
Once again these aren’t the remarks a Manchester United fan would want to hear after they had just been turned over in the first Manchester derby of the season.
It may just be that he’s being very realistic.
Despite winning the Premier League last season by 11 points I can’t think of such an average Manchester United squad.
But that may just underline the significance of Sir Alex Ferguson on the players and club.
The addition of Robin van Persie last season appeared to paper over some cracks, but 26 goals in one season is one hell of a repair job.
With only the additions of Marouane Fellaini and Wilfried Zaha this summer, and the second retirement of Paul Scholes, this is very much the same team that won the title at such a canter last season.
Moyes’ pessimism never went down well at Goodison Park, and explains why a significant chunk of supporters weren’t upset at news of his departure.
And being deadly honest, Everton have much lower expectations than Manchester United.
Add to that the sprawled global fan base United enjoy, there is much more pressure on Moyes to deliver results and trophies, if not from the directors.
Image courtesy of Daily Telegraph video via YouTube, with thanks.
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