Former-Manchester United coach Eric Steele has revealed that new manager David Moyes ignored Sir Alex Ferguson’s advice, which was to keep the backroom staff the same at the club despite the change in management.
When Ferguson announced his retirement, he spoke to everyone at the club and then spoke to Moyes, who left Everton in order to take the United job.
During that meeting, it is thought that Fergie (as he was known) told Moyes to keep all the backroom staff on at the club as they were successful and they would give him a helping hand if needed, however he chose to reject the advice.
Moyes let go Steele, Mike Phelan and Rene Meulensteen, replacing them with Chris Woods, Steve Round and Jimmy Lumsden, who all came from Everton, along with recently-retired Phil Neville.
United haven’t started well at all this season and currently sit eight points behind leaders Arsenal and Steele has revealed what actually happened in the summer.
“He spoke to me, Mick and Rene,” Steele is quoted as telling fanzine United We Stand. “I told him I thought it was a brave decision.
“He listened to the manager’s advice, but he wanted to be his own man.”
“I didn’t want to leave. Why would I?” he added. “I knew that David was coming in and wondered who he’d bring.
“You had the United perspective – the manager saying, ‘Keep what we’ve got, keep the continuity, work with them and they’ll guide you through. You’re taking on a massive machine here. You’ve gone from Marks and Spencer’s to Harrods.’
“Then there’s David’s viewpoint, which I understand. I know him professionally. I know his work ethic, his hands-on approach.
“I don’t blame him for doing what he did. I’ve been in the game long enough to know how it is.
“But it’s ironic, isn’t it? You’ve just been part of a team that has had a great season and won the league. David De Gea’s had his best season. Does it make sense that you’re not retained to continue the good work? Sadly, that’s out of my hands.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
