03 Feb 2014 19:19:15
I have been reading the comments ref David Moyes at United and not all the blame should be placed on him for the current state of affairs. Fergie is partly to blame. Last season united over achieved mainly due to team or management circumstances at Arsenal, Chelsea and City.

Fergie should have had a replacement in place for Paul Scholes (best player by far over the years) over 18 months ago. Ferdinand should have been replaced and kept as squad player last season. That is half the spine of the team. Smalling is not a fullback and should be in CB position. There is no point continuing playing uplayers who are likely to be released at end of the season, where is the incentive. If Jones and Smalling seen as CB then this season should be used to get them to work as a pairing. There are too many playing with a couldn't care less attitude and may find the likes of RVP and Rooney no longer want to be there. New skipper needed for rest of the season, suggest jones whenever fit

Moyes made a mistake of not keeping Fergies back room staff, in particular Mike Phelan. At least at matches he got off his backside and to the touch line which Steve round never seems to do. I had the same opinion when he was at Everton. What his qualities are I've no idea. I would like Moyes to succeed, prefer to see a British manager than foreign.

I post this as an Everton Supporter (but before any insults come my way am not a scouser) and how their players now play with smile on their faces, obviously improved team spirit. Like to think speak with common sense.

1.) 03 Feb 2014
Hi no name,
An Evertonian and not a scouser, you must be a glory hunter! Oh, no it's Everton!

Unfair but only banter and if you're my vintage you will remember Everton and Glory going together.

Good post with lots of valid points, one thing Moyse gets gets slated for is rigid 4 4 2 with wingers. Don't think he set up Everton that way, its the players we have & continuing SAFs system, what do you think?

2.) 03 Feb 2014
Been an Everton follower for 50 yrs but have respect for Man united over the years especially from the Busby era. Supporters need to be patient with new manager, many new players needed and new system. If the manager plays a system to suit their strength then okay but with so many changes won't be done overnight. The main problem will come next season on which players Moyes has been able to attract if they don't qualify for champion league. Prefer the northern clubs at the top irrespective of their location. If I remember, the first couple of seasons at Everton were not easy but the chairman stood by him. Look at the mess Liverpool made of it over past few years.

3.) 03 Feb 2014
I think that too, Jockstrap. I can't recall him playing with out and out wingers at Everton.

I think it's a case that he has to work with what he has, and rather than copy Fergie's penchant for fitting square pegs in round holes, he'd rather play the players in their natural positions, as much as he can, even if it means playing a tactic that he doesn't particularly like.

4.) 04 Feb 2014
Knoall, would you have moyes back at Everton?
Sk, moyes plays Smalling at Rb, jones in midfield, kagawa as left winger, welbeck in midfield (against Stoke). So not sure what you're saying?
And what's wrong with copying fergie's blueprint? It worked ok as far as I can see.

5.) 04 Feb 2014
I said 'as much as he can', if you read the whole post NM, rather than just what you think is in it.

Obviously injuries have made it impossible sometimes.

6.) 04 Feb 2014
Finished that too early - I'm nearly sure you spent most of last season moaning about Fergie doing just that.