IT WENT from the dream job to a nightmare in less than a season — after swiftly becoming clear it was also the impossible one.
Yet of all the sympathy David Moyes has subsequently had over the thankless task he had in filling Sir Alex Ferguson’s shoes, he should not expect any from the man now in the hot seat.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in no mood to give David Moyes sympathy over his Old Trafford strugglesCredit: Getty – Pool
After 11 years as a Manchester United player, and the past 27 months as gaffer, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer knows all about the demands at Old Trafford.
But as Moyes prepared his West Ham team for a return north to face his one-time all-too-brief employers, the Norwegian was not about to shower him with compassion.
There was respect in abundance, at the way the Scot rebuilt his own career — to the extent he has transformed the Hammers into a side with genuine top-four hopes.
And there was praise for how he has taken them from regular relegation flirters to one of the Prem’s most solid units.
But commiseration over his time at Old Trafford seven seasons ago? Not a chance.
Solskjaer said: “I don’t think you can feel sorry for someone who managed Manchester United.
“It’s a dream job for many, many managers and David wouldn’t have taken it if he didn’t want it but, unfortunately, he didn’t last as long as he would have wanted.
“But in football you shouldn’t be surprised at anything and he is proving again what he’s capable of at West Ham.
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“I’ve got to say that David has made massive improvements with the team — this season and last season as well.
“They have got Michail Antonio really flying, Tomas Soucek is scoring goals and he has really built on that.”
Moyes and his team have built on it so well that, in the 16 league games since United won 3-1 at the London Stadium, they have lost only three, to Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City.
Since December 27 only champions-elect Manchester City have picked up more points.
And currently, if the Hammers win their games in hand, they will be in the top four.
Solskjaer added: “I remember they lost 2-0 to Newcastle on the opening day — David made some decisions, stuck with them and they are up there on merit.
“You don’t get results over a long period without working at it and you can see how well organised they are.”
Solskjaer has not done a bad job of that himself at Old Trafford and, while the title itself may be out of reach, second looks increasingly nailed on.
For all the disappointment of Milan’s late leveller in Thursday’s Europa League last-16 home leg it has been a momentous week, with the club naming its first football director.
Solskjaer had a key role in the appointment of John Murtough, as well as that of Darren Fletcher as technical director.
It was a huge indication the United chief is in it for the long haul, despite suggestions he needs to win a trophy.
The Norwegian gave another hint of his job security, insisting he still has the final say on signings.
He said: “It wasn’t my decision but I was consulted and very supportive of it. I’ve worked very well with John and Darren coming in gives us another angle.”
As for transfers, he added: “The club would never buy a player the manager didn’t want.
“We do have a process — we’ve got the scouting and then the analysis but I think managers at Manchester United have always had the last say on transfers.”
MAN UTD (likely): Henderson, Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw, Fred, McTominay, Greenwood, Fernandes, Rashford, Martial.
David Moyes replaced Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013 but did not even last a full seasonCredit: AFP
Solskjaer had his say on the appointments of John Murtough and Darren Fletcher as football and technical directors respectivelyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
