David Moyes has criticized his former club, Manchester United, arguing that they have lost their tradition and class by repeatedly sacking managers.
As Erik ten Hag exits, the door opens for a new era, with Ruben Amorim set to take charge at Old Trafford.
The 39-year-old will not only become the youngest manager in the club’s history but also the sixth to take the helm since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 – just 11 years ago.
Moyes, who was the first to attempt to succeed Ferguson, believes that the constant managerial turnover, which has yielded little success by Man United’s lofty standards, has tarnished a club once revered for its rich tradition and values.
Now, Amorim faces the challenge of restoring Manchester United to their former glory.
“Manchester United had unbelievable traditions. They brought in their own young players, and they didn’t sack managers,” Moyes stated, speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet.
“When Sir Alex Ferguson wasn’t doing so well, they didn’t do it.
“They stood for something which was admirable, that this club means a bit more – that bit of class, which dropped away at that time [when I was there].”
Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, Manchester United have seen a series of permanent managers come and go, with very few tasting sustained success – or, in some cases, even being given a proper chance.
Louis van Gaal was the first to bring a major trophy back to Old Trafford, winning the FA Cup in 2016.
However, just as it seemed things were turning around, he was dismissed two days later.
Jose Mourinho’s tenure also included silverware, securing both the Europa League and League Cup.
But like Van Gaal, Mourinho was shown the door prematurely.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer then took over, but despite a promising start, his time in charge was marked by a lack of major trophies.
The latest casualty is Erik ten Hag, who won two domestic trophies during his time in charge.
However, after signing a contract extension in the summer, Ten Hag was swiftly sacked following a poor start to the current season.
Now, with Ruben Amorim set to take the reins, it seems Manchester United are caught in a continuous cycle of managerial change.
Despite this, David Moyes remains optimistic, acknowledging that the squad the Portuguese manager will inherit is filled with quality and potential.
“He [Rúben Amorim] is in a completely different situation now,” David Moyes continued.
“I was really forcing it, to take over the champions at the time, so I was coming from a different [perspective].
“At the moment, the players might now be saying that they need to step up because the manager might be coming from a stronger position.
“Manchester United have really talented players.
“Getting into Manchester United in the situation they’re in, they can only improve – because of that we might see an improvement in their performance.”
“Players are more flexible nowadays,” Moyes added.
“Players from your day [to Gary Neville] might have taken a bit more time.
“Players now are used to it. [Manchester] United have got enough central defenders and more wing-backs.
“I don’t think the adaptation for Manchester United will take too long.
“It might a while for it to get to where he [Rúben Amorim] wants it, but I think Manchester United will be fine.”
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