Shadows loom over Moyes

David Moyes has —according to reports — been advised to stop being caught with his head in his hands.

One can only imagine the brave person who spoke up.

“Here Dave, stop looking like, you know, the job’s about 100 times harder than you thought it would be.

“What? I know it is... but no-one else needs to know that.

“What do you mean did Sir Alex notice...?”

The level of scrutiny  may not have surprised him, but there is no denying it is taking him time to adjust.

And while Moyes grapples with his new lofty role, fans are poring over an interview Sir Alex Ferguson gave in America, where he not only dropped pearls of managerial wisdom like loose change but also let out a couple of story bombs — that Roman Abramovich tried to lure him to Chelsea and that Wayne Rooney did indeed ‘want away’.

Moyes must feel he’s not so much in Fergie’s shadow as in a Fergie straitjacket.

But let’s be frank. It was always going to be tough, especially when a few dodgy results came along.

And, let’s be even more frank, this United squad is in need of major work if they are to maintain their high status. 

Fergie knew he was getting out at the right time in more ways than one.

Central defence is creaking and centre midfield lacks the touch of a, let’s say, Mesut Ozil.

Then there are players who really need to prove they belong at a club like United. 

Ashley Young, for example, seems to be doing his best to seal a move away from Old Trafford.

The manager’s job requires a tough and resolute individual, which Moyes most certainly is.

But he needs room to breathe, which will only happen if certain players raise their games — and Fergie stops giving interviews that remind the world what a managerial doyen he will always be. 

TOMORROW

All 11am unless stated

Man City v Everton

8:45am

What to make of City? Brilliant yet vulnerable is not, I’m afraid, a title-winning combination.

Everton are the only unbeaten side in the league and Lakaku looks the loan signing of the year. 

Prediction: 1-1

Fulham v Stoke

It came as a shock. I’d never seen Fulham fans get angry before. At first I thought it was because the Michael Jackson statue was being taking away from Craven Cottage.

But then I realised their team has just been playing like muppets.

Prediction: 1-2

Hull v Aston Villa

Hull eighth? Who would have though it, apart from manager Steve Bruce perhaps?

With points in their pocket then, the visit of Villa will hold little fear, despite the Birmingham side’s fine win over Man City

Prediction: 2-2

Liverpool v Crystal Palace

Home banker, surely. The Reds have Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge spearheading their attack. Palace’s one win so far has come against Sunderland. Enough said.

Prediction: 3-0

Sunderland v Man Utd

1:30pm 

Another sloppy result for United and the pressure really will start to build on Moyes. Black Cats have nothing to lose. That makes them dangerous, which will be a nice change.

Prediction: 0-2

SUNDAY

Norwich v Chelsea

9:30am

Juan Mata is learning fast that all the ability in the world is not enough to impress Jose Moruinho without a willingness to fit into his rigid system.

Those high principles  would look more impressive if they had a striker firing. Could Samuel Eto’o be over the hill?

Prediction: 0-2

Southampton v Swansea

12 noon

Two teams who have established themselves impressively in the Premier League. Swans have extra class in the final third and will need to make that count against a highly-organised Saints side.

Prediction: 0-1

Tottenham v West Ham

12pm

A London derby and one Spurs are overwhelming favourites for.

And is it just me or is there a growing steel to AVB’s (hairy) mouse-like features. Who needs Mourinho as a mate anyway?

Prediction: 2-0

West Brom v Arsenal

12pm

The Gunners’ opening 30 minutes against Napoli in midweek was arguably the best spell by an English team this season.

Ozil is genius, Ramsey is reborn but Flamini has given Arsenal the muscle and hint of unpleasantness in the middle they so deperately needed.

Prediction: 0-2