Former Manchester United goalkeeping coach Eric Steele, has revealed that David Moyes ignored Sir Alex Ferguson’s advice and brought in his own staff.
The former Everton boss took over from Ferguson over the summer and his predecessor advised him to keep assistant coach Mike Phelan, first team coach Rene Meulensteen and Steele. However, Moyes chose to release all of them and brought in Chris Woods, Steve Round and Jimmy Lumsden with him from Everton. Phil Neville and Ryan Giggs also joined his coaching team.
United have endured a nonchalant start to the campaign, losing three times in their first six games – their worst start in 24 years. Steele says it might be because Moyes chose to break the winning formula.
“He spoke to me, Mick and Rene,” Steele told fanzone United We Stand. “I told him I thought it was a brave decision. He listened to the manager’s advice, but he wanted to be his own man.”
“I didn’t want to leave. Why would I? I knew that David was coming in and wondered who he’d bring.
“You had the United perspective – the manager saying, ‘Keep what we’ve got, keep the continuity, work with them and they’ll guide you through. You’re taking on a massive machine here. You’ve gone from Marks and Spencer’s to Harrods.’
“Then there’s David’s viewpoint, which I understand. I know him professionally. I know his work ethic, his hands-on approach.”
“I don’t blame him for doing what he did. I’ve been in the game long enough to know how it is.
“But it’s ironic, isn’t it? You’ve just been part of a team that has had a great season and won the league. David De Gea’s had his best season. Does it make sense that you’re not retained to continue the good work? Sadly, that’s out of my hands.”
“There were massive changes – the manager, chief executive, Scholes retiring and the coaches,” Steele said. “But there are enough players in that dressing room to win when it really starts.”
“My time was up, I’m proud of what I did at United and I have great memories.”
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