Man U on Tuesday sacked manager David Moyes following a disastrous ten-month spell
File photo of David Moyes (right) alongside veteran squad member and newly-announced interim manager of Manchester United, Ryan Giggs, during a press conference at Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester. Photo: AP
Manchester : Manchester United on Tuesday sacked manager David Moyes after a disastrous ten-month spell running the world-famous club which has been left in turmoil.The club followed the stunning announcement by naming veteran midfielder Ryan Giggs as interim manager.
Moyes, 50, succeeded Alex Ferguson at the helm of the Premier League side on July 1. But the season quickly became a nightmare for Moyes who watched his team slump to a series of embarrassing defeats. After feverish speculation, United confirmed the sacking in a brief statement.“Manchester United announces that David Moyes has left the club.
“The club would like to place on record its thanks for the hard work, honesty and integrity he brought to the role,” it said. A second statement added that the 40-year-old Giggs, “the club’s most decorated player, will assume responsibility for the first team until a permanent appointment can be made.”Manchester United players had training amid an intense media spotlight. But the club said no further comment would be made “on this process until it is concluded.”
Experienced Dutch coach Louis Van Gaal emerged as the British bookmakers’ favourite to succeed Moyes on a permanent basis.
The 62-year-old, whose previous clubs include Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, recently expressed a desire to work in England. His contract as manager of Holland expires after this year’s World Cup in Brazil. Jurgen Klopp of Borussia Dortmund, another rumoured contender, ruled himself out of the running.
Moyes started a six year contract on July 1 in place of Ferguson, British football’s most successful manager who reigned at United for 26 years.
The sacking came a year to the day after Manchester United had secured their 20th English title as a sendoff to Ferguson who hand picked Moyes to succeed him.Moyes has endured a torrid season and faced criticism from players.United have slumped to seventh place in the league table and been eliminated from both domestic cup competitions and Europe’s Champions League.
Moyes’ last game in charge was Sunday’s 2-0 loss at his former club Everton, which confirmed that United will not compete in the Champions League next season for the first time since 1995. The 11th defeat of the league campaign left United 13 points below the Champions League qualifying places and 23 points behind leaders Liverpool.
Giggs, United’s record appearance maker, was informed of the sacking after arriving at United’s Carrington training ground near Manchester. His first game in charge will be a league fixture at home to Norwich City on Saturday.
( Source : AFP )
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