Article
The “Fergie Time”, Will David Moyes Have That?
Is David Moyes ready for Manchester United? More to the point, are United ready for Moyes?
As a Liverpool fan I couldn’t be happier. I may stand to be proved wrong in time, but then if I was afraid of that I wouldn’t publish my thoughts and views on this. But I cannot help thinking this is a gamble just waiting to implode. There are so many questions, big questions, that need answering and even the most devoted United follower must allow himself a period of introspection to consider an answer.
Style
When Moyes took over at Everton in March 2002 they were only out of the relegation zone on goal difference. Moyes would eventually steer them clear of the drop and he set about building ‘his’ team. Over the past 10 years, Everton has become unmistakeably Moyes team. Combative, hard to beat, with players who get amongst the opposition and hassle them into making mistakes. He was one of the first managers to employ a 4-5-1 system, so loved by clubs keen to maintain their Premier League presence. A system which is as much about what you do when you don’t have the ball as when you do. He wouldn’t employ strikers in the conventional way, preferring a big man who would bustle defenders and be able to create knock-downs for attacking midfielders.
Is this the United way? Is this the style United fans want to see? When you’re competing against clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona or Bayern Munich do you just want to be ‘hard to beat’ or do you want to play attractive football? Is Van Persie willing to play the Yakubu or the Anichebe role?
Squad
One aspect Ferguson was very good at was squad management. He understood a player is rarely on form for nine months of the year, so he would rest them. You rarely had much fuss in the press about him leaving out players, yet other managers would be questioned when their star players spent time on the bench. United rarely lost too many games during the second half of the season, with Ferguson taunting rivals that they knew what it was like to win a title. One could argue Moyes only ever had a small squad to play with at Everton, so he had to juggle his resources as best he could to maintain their presence in the Premier League, but United have completely different ambitions to Everton, the pressure is greater and so is the spotlight.
Moyes could get away with seeking out ‘value’ in the transfer market and players like Tim Cahill, Nikica Jelavic, Marouane Fellaini are all examples of Moyes ability to pick out a ‘bargain’ in the transfer market and find a player who would fit his style of play. But he cannot look for those players anymore, United fans will not put up with ‘bargains’ they want the best. United fans will be expecting Moyes to compete for players like Lewandowski. But is Moyes comfortable with the type of personality which comes with big wages and big egos?
Possibly the biggest ego Moyes had to deal with was Duncan Ferguson but they had a training ground bust-up and one could argue, ‘Big Dunc’ was just glad to be at a club who would play him. Duncan Ferguson was much less important to Everton than people like Van Persie, Ferdinand or Giggs are to United.
One thing Moyes will have on his side is that United do not possess any real larger than life characters. This is mainly because Ferguson never put up with these players. Anyone showing those kind of tendencies were shipped out, such as Ince, Robson and McClair in the early years, to Beckham, Veron and Stam later on. But is Moyes able to maintain this element of the squad? Will he be able to resist a player who might upset the equilibrium just because the owners and/or the fans may want him? Would Moyes be able to convince players like Giggs or Scholes to stay on as Ferguson was able to?
Ferguson was able to get rid of big names at United but only after he’d won a couple of trophies and eventually ended the clubs 25 year search for a league title. Moyes doesn’t come in with that amount of kudos and you can hardly imagine even his most ardent fans defend him with the phrase “yeah but he’s a winner, isn’t he?”.
My feeling about Moyes is that he is a manager who has the ability to make average players into good ones. He has the ability to instill belief into a player for whom that may be lacking. But what about a player who is already good or even very good? If you’re Robin Van Persie and have just gone through the season he has, you’re called to the manager’s office during the summer and he tells you that you need to ‘up your game’ for the next season. If that manager was Ferguson you probably wouldn’t question it, when you consider all he has won in the game. But if that manager is Moyes, surely you might consider comparing cv’s? Moyes has lead a team out in a cup final once in his career, losing to Chelsea in 2009. Is he really a man for the big occasion? Does he really know what it takes for a quality player to perform on the highest level?
There will be many players within the United squad who will continue to play for the club because it’s United, but how long can that last? I watched Graeme Souness systematically take apart a legendary Liverpool side and replace it with players who were desperate to emulate their heroes but just never quite had the ability. Was Souness scared of the ‘big personality’? Graham Taylor was always regarded as a good club manager, having taken Watford from Division Four to Division One or getting Aston Villa back out of the Second Division. But he was found out at international level and proved himself to be very good at making average players believe they were good. With England he surrounded himself with the likes of Andy Sinton, Tony Dorigo, Carlton Palmer yet struggled with players like Gary Lineker, Paul Gascoigne and John Barnes.
Moyes is joining a global brand. This is one of the most prestigious jobs in world football. Is he ready for the scrutiny he will be under? Ironically, his first game in charge could be the Community Shield and if he wins that it will be his first piece of silverware since Preston won the Second Division in 2000. If he wins his first game at Old Trafford it will be the first time he has won there as a manager. In fact in 10 years he has yet to win at United, Liverpool, Chelsea or Arsenal. Yet many point to his ‘tactical nous’ as a manager. During his tenure at Goodison Park he has guided Everton to top ten finishes in each of the last 6 seasons. Their only Champions League place finish came in the same season Liverpool won the competition and were eventually installed by UEFA to defend their title at the expense of Everton. Moyes has never competed in a Champions League match, yet he is taking over a club who considers it their right to be there every single year. Have many people in Europe even heard of David Moyes?
In European games Moyes will now have to deal with teams coming to Old Trafford happy to defend, just like his Everton teams did. Now he’ll have to devise a way of breaking that down
Press
Is Moyes ready for the press? Has he really got any idea of the spotlight which will now be on him and is he a strong enough character to deal with it? We will never see the like of Ferguson again as club management has changed beyond all recognition. Ferguson has been able to rule United for years in such a dictatorial manner because of what he has won in the game and the sheer force of his personality. The refusal to talk to the BBC after their documentary about one of his sons, the systematic banning of journalists from press conferences simply because they questioned his methods, these were all pleasures reserved only for Ferguson. But the press now has the chance to get their own back on United now he has moved upstairs. Moyes is unlikely to want Ferguson to be too visible for fear of undermining his authority. Few United fans will remember but the club had real problems when their last icon, Sir Matt Busby, stepped down in a manner similar to Ferguson. He too moved upstairs and within 5 years the club were relegated, despite Busby even taking back the management reins for a while.
Conclusion
Life at United will not be same as at the Merseyside for Moyes
As I have said, United should be one of the most prestigious jobs in world. But would you have been surprised if you read the morning headlines saying the new manager of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich or Juventus was going to be David Moyes? I suspect you would. When Bayern were seeking a replacement for Jupp Heynckes, do you think Moyes was on their list?
Perhaps the grand plan is for the owners to have more of a say in the way the club is run. They tried hawking the club around the world to get it registered on any stock market which would have them, before they found the New York Stock Exchange as the only takers. Perhaps they are looking at steering the club more in a direction Ferguson would never have sanctioned, and of course as Ferguson had the complete backing of the fans it was unlikely the owners were ever going to win a public tug-of-war. With Moyes things could be very different indeed. With the debt repayments secured against the club, Champions League qualification is imperative and so the pressure on Moyes will not just come from the fans if he cannot deliver this as a minimum.
It has long been debated the next man to take over from Ferguson has the toughest job of all. The club and squad just has his smell all over it, so will the next man get long enough to mould it into ‘his team’? Surely, Ferguson’s replacement would have to at least emulate his achievements just to be considered a success and so how many years without silverware would a loyal fanbase endure? Perhaps this is the tactic to lure a big name to replace Moyes? If you’re Guardiola you will have a much easier time taking over from a man like Moyes than you would replacing Ferguson as you would imagine the club/fans would be desperate for success again.
You could argue, as a Liverpool fan have I got any right to suggest these things and question them? I generally do not write about Manchester United as I am clearly biased against them and any article from me is unlikely to be balanced. But I watched my club get taken apart by Souness and then again by Benitez and Hodgson and it is tough to watch. If Liverpool had kicked-on from their 2nd place in 2009 they would be ideally placed to take advantage of this possible power vacuum. But the sad fact is they did not, and that is why a manager such as Brendan Rodgers is in place. If Liverpool were still very much a top four club Rodgers would be nowhere near Anfield, instead he is able to develop a project with the aim of returning to those heights.
Moyes was able to develop a project at Everton and achieved the aim of a top ten finish. He has now taken charge of a club with much higher aspirations and much less patience, where simply finishing above Liverpool is just not good enough.
Argentina will be aiming for a record-breaking 16th Copa America title when they take on Colombia
The Copa America 2024 is set for an electrifying conclusion as defending champions Argentina face off against Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on Sunday. This highly anticipated final marks the first-ever Copa America final meeting between these two footballing powerhouses. Argentina aim to secure a record-breaking 16th title, making them the most successful side in the competition’s history.
Argentina’s road to the final has been marked by grit and determination. They navigated a nerve-wracking penalty shootout against Ecuador in the quarter-finals before securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over Canada in the semi-finals. Julian Alvarez opened the scoring, followed by a historic goal from Lionel Messi, who now stands as the second-highest male goalscorer in international football with 109 goals.
Argentina’s unbeaten streak now extends to 10 matches, and they remain unbeaten in major tournament knockout games on American soil since the 1994 World Cup. It is no understatement that they go into the clash as favourites.
Colombia are no pushovers, however. They have been in exceptional form. Since their 1-0 loss to Argentina in World Cup qualifying in February 2022, they have embarked on a record-breaking unbeaten run of 28 matches.
Jefferson Lerma’s header gave Colombia the lead before Daniel Munoz’s red card put them at a numerical disadvantage against Uruguay. Despite this setback, Colombia’s resilience shone through as they held on to secure their place in the final. The victory over Uruguay was marred by a brawl involving Uruguayan players and Colombian supporters, but Colombia’s focus remained unwavering. This final represents a chance for Colombia to end a long wait since their first Copa America triumph in 2001.
Team News and Predicted XI
Argentina
For the final, Argentina face no injury or suspension issues. Head coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to maintain an unchanged lineup. The defence will feature a solid back four with Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, and Nicolas Tagliafico, with Emiliano Martinez as the goalkeeper.
In the midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Rodrigo De Paul are anticipated to keep their places, even though Giovani Lo Celso and Exequiel Palacios are pushing for a start. Angel Di Maria is poised for his international farewell on the right wing. Alexis Mac Allister, who has been impressive on the international stage, will play a crucial role, linking up with Messi from the midfield.
Lionel Messi, who overcame a leg injury to play the full match against Canada, will lead the attack alongside Julian Alvarez. Lautaro Martinez, the tournament’s top scorer, is expected to begin on the bench and should be brought on in the second half.
Predicted Playing XI (4-4-2): Emi. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lis. Martinez, Tagliafico; Mac Allister, E. Fernandez, De Paul, Di Maria; Messi, Alvarez
Colombia
With Daniel Munoz suspended, Santiago Arias is set to start at right-back, joining Davinson Sanchez, Carlos Cuesta, and Johan Mojica in a solid four-man backline. Camilo Vargas will likely be the goalkeeper.
In midfield, Jefferson Lerma and Richard Ríos are expected to form the double pivot, providing protection for the defence and allowing the attacking players to push forward.
Captain James Rodriguez, who has recorded a tournament-high six assists, will continue in the number 10 role. He will be supported by Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Fluminense’s Jhon Arias on the flanks.
Jhon Cordoba, who has contributed with two goals and two assists, is expected to lead the attack, with Jhon Duran and Rafael Santos Borre available as options.
Predicted Playing XI (4-2-3-1): Vargas; Santiago Arias, Sanchez, Cuesta, Mojica; Rios, Lerma; Jhon Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Cordoba
Key Stats
- Victory will see Argentina win their 16th Copa America title, making them the most successful side in the competition’s illustrious history.
- Colombia are unbeaten in their last 28 international games.
- Argentina have won 26 of their 43 meetings against Colombia in all competitions.
- A win for Colombia will see them win just their second Copa America title, their first since 2001.
Match Deciding Duel
Enzo Fernandez (Argentina) vs James Rodriguez (Colombia)
Argentina have been solid in defence and penetrating their backline has proven to be a challenge for most sides in the competition. Colombia have a rather dynamic attack but will depend on the veteran James Rodriguez to act as the playmaker.
With the likes of Luis Diaz able to make the most of opportunities, the onus will be on Enzo Fernandez to ensure Rodriguez does not have space to manoeuvre in. The duel between the two players could certainly set the tone for which way the cookie crumbles on the night.
Prediction
Argentina 2-1 Colombia
The clash is likely to be an entertaining one with the midfield battle expected to set the tone for the result. Argentina. however, have more strength in depth and the ability to bring a player of Lautaro Martinez’s calibre off the bench in the second half is akin to a cheat code. The Inter Milan star is expected to lead the defending champions to a close 2-1 win on the night.
Spain and England will face off for continental supremacy in the Euro 2024 final
As Euro 2024 reaches its climax, the football world braces for a thrilling final between Spain and England at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. This highly anticipated match will determine the champions of Europe, with Spain looking to add to their illustrious history and England aiming to lift the Henri Delaunay Trophy for the first time.
Spain, guided by Luis de la Fuente, entered the tournament somewhat under the radar but quickly established themselves as a formidable contender. They navigated the so-called ‘Group of Death’ with ease, securing nine points from three matches against Croatia, Italy, and Albania. Impressively, they emerged from the group stage without conceding a goal to an opposition player.
In the knockout stages, Spain demonstrated their resilience and quality. A stunning 4-1 comeback against Georgia in the last-16 and a tense extra-time victory over hosts Germany in the quarter-finals showcased their grit and talent. The semi-final against France was another test of their mettle, with young star Lamine Yamal lighting up the Allianz Arena and Dani Olmo sealing the win.
Spain’s journey to the final has not been without challenges, but their blend of experience and youthful exuberance has seen them through. They now stand on the brink of history, aiming to become the first European men’s team to win four major tournaments consecutively.
England’s Euro 2024 campaign has been a rollercoaster. Gareth Southgate’s men had a mixed group stage, winning only once against Serbia and drawing against Denmark and Slovenia. Their knockout phase has been a tale of resilience and drama, coming from behind in both the last-16 and quarter-finals.
A lacklustre win over Slovakia and a penalty shootout victory against Switzerland set the stage for a semi-final clash with the Netherlands. Despite early setbacks, including a goal from Dutch prodigy Xavi Simons, England produced their best performance of the tournament. A late winner from Ollie Watkins, following a perfect penalty from Harry Kane, propelled them to their second consecutive Euro final.
Southgate’s squad has shown incredible determination and character, setting new records along the way. Kane’s scoring feats and the team’s ability to perform under pressure have been pivotal to their success.
We take a look at how both sides could line up on the night and what tactics they might employ.
Team News and Predicted XI
Spain
Spain’s bad-tempered quarter-final against Germany saw Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand fall foul of the referee, leading to their suspensions for the semi-final. Both players are now back at De la Fuente’s disposal, bringing much-needed fresh legs to the Roja XI. Carvajal will replace Jesus Navas, while Le Normand should push Nacho to the bench.
Spain are expected to maintain a 4-3-3 formation with Unai Simon in goal. Daniel Carvajal and Marc Cucurella should hold the flanks in defence, while Robin Le Normand and Aymeric Laporte should form the centre-back pairing. Rodri should form the midfield pivot, with Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz pushing forward.
Skipper Alvaro Morata should lead the line with the electric duo of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams providing support. Morata was initially a concern given his freak injury after the win against France. Thankfully for Spain, he trained normally and should lead them out.
Predicted Playing XI (4-3-3): Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Ruiz, Rodri, Olmo; Yamal, Morata, Williams
England
England arrive in Berlin with a fully fit squad, including Luke Shaw, who has recovered from injury. Shaw’s performance against Switzerland and his effective stint in the semi-final suggests he may start, replacing Kieran Trippier at left-back.
Southgate is likely to stick with his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. Jordan Pickford will guard the goal, with a back three of John Stones, Harry Maguire, and Marc Guehi.
Shaw and Kyle Walker will operate as wing-backs, while Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham form the midfield pivot. Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka will support captain Harry Kane in attack. Southgate has enough game-changers on the bench and it remains to be seen if he will have the nerve to make bold calls or play the long game and roll the dice.
Predicted Playing XI (4-3-3): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Shaw; Bellingham, Foden; Kane
Key Stats
- A victory on the night will see Spain secure their fourth title, making them the most successful side in the competition’s history.
- A win for England will see them triumph in the European Championships for the first time in their history.
- Spain and England have faced off 27 times in all competitions. La Roja have won 10 games while England have won 14. Three games ended in a draw.
- England have never lost to Spain in a UEFA European Championship clash before.
Match Deciding Duel
Lamine Yamal (Spain) vs Luke Shaw (Spain)
Lamal has been a critical difference-maker for Spain in this year’s tournament and will hope to end it on a high. Up against the recently returned Luke Shaw, he will aim to run rings against the English veteran.
Shaw’s ability to get caught out could provide Yamal the space he needs to run into and put the English backline into disarray. This should also subsequently free up Dani Olmo to make his trademarks into the box.
Prediction
Spain 1-1 England (Spain to Win on Penalties)
England will be keen to end their trophy drought and also go one better than last time around. While they have a strong squad with plenty of depth, Southgate’s inability to take calculated risks should play right into Spain’s hands. It remains unlikely that the trophy will go ‘home’ anytime soon.
Argentina and Canada will face off in the first semifinal of Copa America 2024, a repeat of the competition opener from Group A
Canada have a golden opportunity to make history as they face defending champions Argentina in the first semi-final of Copa America 2024 at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday.
In a rematch of their tournament opener, Canada can become the second CONCACAF team to reach the Copa America final. Both sides advanced to the semi-finals via penalty shootouts, with Argentina defeating Ecuador and Canada overcoming Venezuela after 1-1 draws in regular time respectively.
Argentina’s path to the semi-finals has been fortified by their exceptional defence and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The victory over Ecuador secures their fifth consecutive appearance in the Copa America semi-finals. Historically, Argentina have been strong at this stage, progressing in seven of their last eight attempts, with the only setback being against Brazil in 2019.
A triumph on Tuesday would mark the first time Argentina reached the Copa America final as defending champions since 1959. Scaloni’s team has been defensively sound, conceding just once throughout the tournament. The Albiceleste are unbeaten in their last nine matches across all competitions, allowing only three goals during this period.
On the other hand, Canada has shown remarkable resilience since their initial loss to Argentina. Jesse Marsch’s squad has conceded just once in their last three games. They are the third CONCACAF team to reach the Copa America semi-finals in their debut appearance, following Honduras and Mexico. They are also the first from the region to advance this far since the USA in 2016.
This semi-final marks Canada’s fifth appearance in the final four of a continental tournament this century. They have progressed beyond this stage twice, in the 2023 Nations League and the 2000 Gold Cup. Canada aims to emulate Mexico’s 2001 Copa America run, where Mexico reached the final before losing to Colombia.
Argentina’s defensive stability and tactical discipline under Scaloni will be pivotal, also giving their world-class frontline a base to build upon. Canada, under Marsch, has transformed into a more disciplined and resilient team. Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies will be crucial in breaking down Argentina’s defence. SoccerSouls takes a closer look at this clash.
Team News and Predicted XI
Argentina
Lionel Messi was not at his best against Ecuador and will be keen to make amends for the penalty miss in the shootout. he missed the final group game with a hamstring injury but now appears to be back to full fitness.
Lionel Scaloni is likely to retain his flexible 4-3-3 formation with Emiliano Martínez in goal. He should be protected by the back four of Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Marcos Acuna.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes should perform the role of the pivot in the centre, giving Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister and the dynamic Rodrigo De Paul the freedom to push forward. Lionel Messi is expected to don the playmaker’s role with Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez leading the line. Angel Di Maria will offer Argentina another option off the bench should they need to shift gears.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Emi. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Acuna; Mac Allister, Paredes, De Paul; Messi, La. Martinez, Alvarez
Canada
Inter Milan Tajon Buchanan remains a major doubt for Canada after he suffered a broken tibia during training just days before their match against Venezuela. This injury puts his participation in doubt not just for the semi-final clash against Argentina but also for the remainder of the tournament.
Jesse Marsch has an otherwise fully fit squad to choose from for the clash and is expected to set his side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Maxime Crépeau in goal. The shot-stopper should be protected by the back four of Alistair Johnston, Moise Bombito, Derek Cornelius, and Alphonso Davies.
Stephen Eustáquio and Jonathan Osorio should form the double pivot, freeing up Jonathan David to act as the playmaker. Cyle Larin should start up front, with Richie Laryea and Jacob Shaffelburg providing support out wide.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Osorio, Eustaquio; Laryea, David, Shaffelburg; Larin
Key Stats
- Argentina have never conceded a goal against Canada.
- Argentina have not lost a major tournament match on U.S. soil since a 3-2 defeat to Romania in the 1994 World Cup’s round of 16.
- A win on the night will see Canmada make it to their first-ever Copa America final at the first time of asking.
- Argentina have not made it to the final of the competition as defending champions since 1959.
Match Deciding Duel
Lautaro Martinez (Argentina) vs Derek Cornelius (Canada)
Lautaro Martinez is the top scorer in the tournament this season and has made it a habit of scoring late goals for Argentina. This augurs well for a side that is defensively compact, giving them a second wind to settle the game as the opposition gets tired. Derek Cornelius will have his hands full all night but will know that he cannot slack off for even a second with Martinez on the prowl.
Argentina’s ability to score late coupled with Canada’s vulnerabilities in the second half of the game makes for a thrilling finale in the final 30 minutes of the first semifinal. While Argentina do have several threats and matchwinners in their lineup, Martinez’s clinical touch has given them the edge this summer. He will certainly be aiming to make a difference once again on Tuesday.
Transfer Watch
Jonathan David
The LOSC Lille attacker is Canada’s trump card going forward and is expected to leave the Ligue 1 giants this summer. David is a pacy player whose ability to get into space and clinical ability in the box helps make a difference. While several clubs are keeping tabs on him, a solid showing against the defending FIFA World Cup holders will only help boost his profile among potential suitors.
David will be up against the meanest defence in the competition on the night. The duo of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez aren’t just formidable defenders but their ‘take no prisoners’ approach will certainly add a physical element to the duel. David is unlikely to come up against a meaner backline in the competition and how well he handles this challenge could determine his stock this summer.
Prediction
Argentina 2-0 Canada
Both teams will be familiar with each other having felt each other out on the opening day. The stakes are much higher this time round and Canada will be hoping for a monumental upset. Argentina were handed a late scare against Ecuador and that perhaps will ensure they don’t take Tuesday’s game for granted. The game should be a hard-fought one with Argentina’s match winners making the difference in the second half of the game.
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