Some will say it was unfair and he should’ve been given more time, others may argue that it was about time; David Moyes’ tenure as Manchester United manager was unsuccessful no matter which side of the fence you fall down on. United fans, although in disagreement over the sacking of Moyes, are all now in unison in looking towards his possible replacements.
Former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach Louis Van Gaal definitely has big club pedigree. He has won the Champions League (with Ajax) and league titles in Spain, Germany and Holland. If United want a manager with trophy winning experience, something Moyes lacked, then Van Gaal is certainly a qualified replacement. He is, however, 62 years old. This is certainly a negative for the Glazers because, as seen with the contract given to Moyes, it is clear that the owners are looking for a long term manager. Spurs apparently covet the Netherlands national coach too, and fending off the North London club who according to Ruud Gullit have struck a ‘done deal’ with Van Gaal may be an issue for United, whilst he may have to adjust for the Premier League.
Fiery Argentinean Diego Simeone, who has masterminded Atletico Madrid’s transformation and rise above Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga, will certainly be considered for the position. Passion is something that some claim Moyes lacked at his time at the club. Simeone has an abundance of it. He has taken Atletico to the Champions League semi-finals this season, whilst they are three wins away becoming the first team in a decade apart from Real and Barca to be crowned La Liga champions. The 46 year old may sound like the perfect person to replace Moyes, and he would be if it weren’t for one burning question. After a season of such excellence why would Simeone want to leave Atletico for United?
Interim manager Ryan Giggs has no managerial experience whatsoever, but he does have United in his blood and you’ll struggle to find a candidate with a passion for United as great as his. His tactics may come under scrutiny in the four games he manages this season and if he were to take over it would probably be alongside someone like Phil Neville who may offer more of a tactical insight. However, the chance of United going for Giggs over some of the other names mentioned is slim.
United are expected to feel out Pep Guardiola, who may not be completely happy at Bayern Munich, but this is a long shot. He may also be planning a return to Barcelona next season. Laurent Blanc is another name who has been linked with the post but he is unproven. He has had success with Paris Saint-Germain but that may be more down to their masses of money and lack of domestic opposition. Finally, Sir Alex Ferguson’s ex-assistant Carlos Queiroz could be a safe option to fall back on. He does, after all, know the club very well.
Caleb Dodd
Image courtesy of the Daily Mail