It looks like the Moyes era at Old Trafford is set to end much earlier than expected. Less than a year into his 6 year contract, David Moyes is set for the chop in the next few days from Manchester United's American owners, the Glazers after a season where they've not only failed to retain their Premier League title but failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 18 years.
Indeed, the 2013-14 season for Manchester United fans has been one to forget as they failed on all accounts on all fronts - often in embarrassing style.
So why did David Moyes fail at Manchester United this season?
The most obvious reason is an aging squad - and a really aging squad which has not been replenished sufficiently during the transfer window. Hard to believe that this was essentially the same squad that was champion twice in the last 3 seasons, made a European Cup Final and was only beaten by the great Barcelona side headed by Lionel Messi. Alas all great sides age with time and this United side was no exception.
Much has been mentioned about the failings of United to lure the likes of Cesc Fabregas to Old Trafford, but Marouane Fellaini and Juan Mata are pretty good signings who did well at their previous clubs. It does require a manager to get the best out of them and Moyes definitely had a good track record with Fellaini - mind you, the Belgian midfielder has been hampered by injury during his time trying to bed into a midfield that has a track record of not really allowing players who have starred at other clubs to bed in, i.e. Owen Hargreaves, Juan Sebastian Veron, Karel Poborsky, etc.
Alas, the Giggs/Scholes/Butt firm is pretty much on its last legs and if this season is anything to go by, it will need to be deestablished in order for United to flourish in the future - and not prove as big a stumbling block to future managers as the manager who established the firm, Sir Alex Ferguson.
David Moyes has always been an effective yet conservative manager just like his predecessor and compatriot but in an age where money and innovation dominate football, perhaps the same mantra that made Ferguson great no longer works - indeed what kept Ferguson going in the last 10 years of his reign was his experience and his name. Perhaps the shadow that Ferguson has on Old Trafford is blocking out the view to what is going on in football now and that after removing those old curtains, Moyes' deficiencies have wilted in the sun.
The problem now with United is finding someone to replace Moyes. No manager right now in their right mind would want to take the United job knowing what has happened to Moyes and the job ahead to ensure United avoid the downfall that Liverpool experienced after their last title in 1990.
As it is, it is United's most bitter rivals who are having the last laugh as the circle of football swings towards them.
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