The past seven days will no doubt have been a whirlwind for new Manchester United manager, David Moyes. His first week in charge marks the start of the Scot’s journey at Old Trafford, a journey that he hopes will lead to success at the top of European football.
Following his departure from Merseyside club Everton, Moyes is now in charge of one of the most powerful clubs in the world. After 11 years spent managing in the Premier League, the stage is set for the 50-year-old to step into Sir Alex Ferguson’s boots at United.
On Friday Moyes made his first public appearance since succeeding Sir Alex, and already he’s had a whole host of speculation to address as the media have been on the hunt for answers to their burning questions.
The future of Wayne Rooney has been the number one query of practically all the journalists working at Old Trafford. This week Moyes sat down with the England striker to discuss his intentions. During his first press conference he revealed the result of the talks, insisting the 27-year-old would not be leaving United during the summer transfer window. He refused however to say whether Rooney had expressed a desire to stay at the club.
The Scot also spoke of possible transfer targets and the Reds upcoming Tour 2013. He also revealed his desire to follow the example set by Sir Alex Ferguson.
He refused to be drawn on transfer moves for United old boy Cristiano Ronaldo and Everton’s Leighton Baines after having a £12m bid rejected for the England left-back. He also declined to comment on ongoing speculation surrounding the potential signing of Thiago Alcantara, saying only that he will “inform the supporters as much as I can”.
United are likely to return with an improved bid for Everton left-back Leighton Baines, after an initial offer of £12million was turned down last week, and a deal for Thiago is reportedly on the verge of completion.
Moyes has however already made big changes in terms of back-room staff. Ferguson’s trusted coaches Mike Phelan, Rene Meulensteen and Eric Steele, have been released and replaced by Steve Round, Chris Woods and Jimmy Lumsden.
All three of these men earned Moyes’ trust during his time at Everton, however this the huge level of expectation at United will be as unfamiliar to them as it is to him. Yet, while Moyes and his closest advisors have only limited experience of amassing silverware, he has drafted trophy-winning expertise into the dug-out in the shape of veteran midfielder Ryan Giggs and former Old Trafford stalwart Phil Neville.
Moyes took training for the first time on Thursday and although he has less than a week to prepare the squad for their five-game tour of Asia and Australia, he has already given strong indications that he intends to lead the club on his own terms.
His first competitive game in charge will be against Swansea City on August 17th. But, of course, he may have won some silverware by this point, after having played Wigan Athletic at Wembley in the Community Shield the week before. Then the fans who are complaining about him never having won anything can give it a rest.