Manchester United have gone through a long list of managers since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, but Nicky Butt believes one of them deserved more time than he got.
Since Ferguson ended his 26-year spell at Old Trafford, there have been 11 managers in charge of the first team, including both permanent appointments and interim coaches.
Michael Carrick returned to the club as head coach in January, after Ruben Amorim was sacked following a 1-1 draw with Leeds.
Darren Fletcher filled in for two matches until Carrick’s appointment was finalised but then returned to his previous role as U18 head coach instead of joining the first-team staff full-time.
Nicky Butt comes to David Moyes’ defence after Manchester United exit
David Moyes was given a six-year deal when he took over at Manchester United in 2013, coming into the job on the back of Sir Alex Ferguson’s strong backing.
Stepping into Ferguson’s shoes was always going to be an impossible job, but Moyes arrived with a good reputation from his time at Everton, where he worked well despite limited resources.
Despite winning the Community Shield early on, results soon turned poor, leading to the club’s worst start to a season since 1989.
Fans largely stuck by him during his tenure. The Stretford End even booed a plane banner that called for him to be sacked. But after a 2-0 defeat against his old club Everton in April, and with Champions League qualification out of reach for the first time since 1995/96, Moyes was dismissed.
Since then, Moyes has managed several other Premier League sides and is now back at Goodison Park. During his time at Old Trafford, he won 27 of his 51 matches in charge.
Moyes was let go following United’s defeat to Everton at Goodison Park – their second loss to the Toffees that season – which also meant Champions League football slipped away from them.
Phil Neville served under Moyes during that spell. Neville also followed him later to Valencia as assistant manager before moving into broadcasting with BBC Sport and Sky Sports.
David Moyes’ Man Utd records that will not be remembered fondly
Moyes had signed a six-year contract in 2013, after being recommended for the job by Ferguson.
Stepping into Sir Alex Ferguson’s shoes was always going to be an impossible task. Moyes took over United off the back of over 10 years at Everton, operating well under strict financial limitations.
The fans stuck by him, even booing a plane banner calling for his dismissal as it flew over Old Trafford during a game.
Moyes was dismissed after United lost 2-0 to his former club Everton on April 20. That result all but ended their Champions League hopes for the first time since 1995/96.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football, Nicky Butt explained why he feels Moyes deserved more time:
“He didn’t get enough time,” Butt said.
“He should have got more time. And also the only mistake I think he made was he didn’t have anyone. Someone should have been there for him, someone like Mike Phelan or someone.”
Butt may not realise that Moyes did bring in Phil Neville as part of his coaching staff at United.
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