paulhill
The first of July – a much anticipated date in every football fan’s diary. The summer transfer window is now officially open, players start to return to training and anticipation grows regarding the new season. The excitement is almost unbearable. One club undergoing a major change is the current champions of England, Manchester United, as David Moyes officially takes to the Old Trafford as you read this. So what early actions can we expect the former Everton gaffer to make?
Replace Paul Scholes
An integral part of the squad over the years – Paul Scholes – decided to hang up his size 5 boots for the second time at the end of last season and Moyes is now in charge of finding an adequate successor. One man who has continually seen his name pop up is Barcelona pass-master Thiago Alcantara, whose £15m release clause in his contract has made him one of the most highly sought after talents in Europe.
The 22-year-old amassed a pass success of 92% last season in his 27 La Liga games for the champions with almost 1000 of the 1725 going forwards. This, combined with his price makes him a more attractive proposition than the likes of Marouane Fellaini and Cesc Fabregas who have been linked with a move.
Flog Rooney
Wayne Rooney is unplayable on his day. However, he makes life difficult for everyone around him with his transfer requests and never-ending whinging and is becoming a real skid mark on the club. The former Toffees forward will apparently sit down with Moyes to discuss his future, but the no nonsense Scot is expected to call Rooney’s bluff and send him out of the door with dollar signs in his eyes.
Rooney scored 12 goals in 27 league games last term but has thrown his toys out of the pram regarding Sir Alex Ferguson’s preference to push him into a deeper role. What do you expect when you have Robin van Persie firing on all cylinders, Wayne? A move to Chelsea in the coming weeks would shock no one.
Settle the backline
This one won’t be as swift as the former two and will undoubtedly change throughout the season. However, with Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling all desperate to secure a centre-back spot as their own Moyes will have to figure out the combination to make up the heart of his back four.
Rumours are also rife that he will make a move for Leighton Baines and perhaps Phil Jagielka from his old club, but we are likely to get a feel of who he recognises as his first choice over the next few weeks.
Busy times ahead for the 50-year-old.
I was really disappointed at the appointment of David Moyes because his track record so far is utterly poor. Not a single silverware to date, practically no experience in Europe, poor record against the top four teams away from Goodison Park etc.. Suddenly the main criterium is his long service at Everton
On the other hand, many people have said a lot of nice things about D. Moyes lately and his qualities to manage such a big club successfully but I remain very skeptical. As a long standing United fan I sincerely wish him success and will be the first one to raise my hand and say I was wrong. It remains to be seen though !!