United can keep ‘our trophy’ under the new boss.
1. The habit of winning.
For years United have had a winning mentality. It permeates every fibre of the club, from the players to the fans to the groundsman to the secretary at the Carrington Training Complex. This mentality will not just disappear now that Ferguson has retired and been replaced by David Moyes. The new manager will surely continue that mentality, and as long as he establishes his authority and wins the trust of the dressing room- both of which appear inevitable given the positive noises made by the players- the club should continue to enjoy success, just as Ferguson has predicted.
2. A big name signing.
There has been much media speculation of late regarding United making a big statement in this summer’s transfer window, signing a major, big name player in order to give David Moyes the best possible start and provide the whole club with a boost following Ferguson’s retirement. Ferguson himself stated (before news broke of his retirement) that the club are now in a position to sign a “really top player”. There has been talk of Ronaldo or Bale, which may well prove somewhat fanciful (which I admit despite my own opinion that one of them will join the club this summer), but even a player such as Fabregas or Lewandowski would give the club a major boost and improve a squad which walked away with the title in Ferguson’s final season.
3. Moyes’ astute transfer market business.
Throughout his time at Everton, Moyes has shown himself to be a shrewd transfer market operator (Kevin Mirallas for £6m, anyone?). Yes, there have been errors (James Beattie, for one), but Moyes has mostly acquired quality players for prices which were not just reasonable, but downright incredible. It has to be expected that he will continue this at United.
4. Moyes the motivator .
At Everton, Moyes has motivated and inspired his teams to perform well beyond their means, with numerous Everton players speaking of Moyes’ motivational skills. For example, there are rumours that Leighton Baines turned down the chance of joining Bayern Munich last summer because he wanted to continue playing for the then Everton manager. Moyes will obviously be less impressive in this regard than Ferguson, but so would any other manager, and Moyes motivational skills will be a key factor in any title or trophy challenges by United next season.
5. Moyes the tactician.
Over his eleven years at Everton, Moyes has shown a large degree of tactical flexibility, often changing and adapting his formations and tactics depending on the opposition, much as Ferguson did against Real Madrid in February 2013. Moyes’ tactical flexibility will almost certainly prove to be a crucial factor in United’s title challenge.
So there you have it. Five reasons that, in my opinion, United will retain their title in David Moyes’ first season in charge. You are, of course, free to disagree…
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