Friday, 5th July, 2013
New Manchester United manager David Moyes’ first press conference could have been construed as the Wayne Rooney show, but the Scotsman was certainly channelling his predecessor’s spirit of tackling the tough issues with a firm hand.
Moyes’ appointment as Sir Alex Ferguson’s replacement may have surprised many given his relative inexperience beyond the Premier League, but the Scotsman has already been making waves with some key staffing changes.
However, arguably the biggest challenge awaiting Moyes in the short-term is deciding the future of Rooney, as the striker’s second transfer request – made earlier this summer – has raised several questions.
Most of those questions were posed at Moyes but the former Everton boss was adamant when he said via MUTV: "Wayne Rooney is not for sale. He is a Manchester United player and will remain a Manchester United player.
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"I’ve had several meetings with him, I told him: ‘what’s happened before doesn’t matter, we’re working together now’.
"He’s been training brilliantly and that’s all I’m concerned with at the moment. We’re all trying, for everybody’s benefit – England included – that we get him back to the level and condition, so he becomes the Wayne Rooney we all know."
The surprise around Moyes’ appointment is purely down to his lack of trophies and very little experience in European football.
Indeed, Moyes’ best position as Everton boss was a fourth-placed finish in 2004/05, leading to Champions League qualifying that ended with a 4-2 defeat to Villarreal.
However, Moyes is backing himself with the belief shown to him by Ferguson, who had passed on the mantle well before the season-ending announcement of his retirement.
"I’m inexperienced, yes", Moyes added. "There are many brilliant managers who could have taken up this job. But the biggest piece of confidence I got was when Sir Alex told me ‘you’re the next manager’.
"I’m taking over the champions of England, and that’s the biggest opportunity. I’d like to think we will play entertaining football, but the biggest job is to win. If you have an entertaining team that doesn’t win, it doesn’t get you anywhere."
As for Ferguson himself, Moyes believes the veteran’s presence will be unending at Old Trafford, and not just in the bricks and mortar that were erected to celebrate his long stay.
"I’ve already called him two or three times to ask for advice", Moyes said. "He was very honest in his assessment and he also told me things to improve upon.
"He’ll never go away – his statue is here and his stand his here. And I’m looking for advice, but he’s not there to pressure me.
"I know the job at hand, just like he knew the job when he joined. He had a few hard years, and fortunately he’s left me a strong squad, which gives us a strong chance of winning the title."
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