Moyes out, Giggs in

By Chris
April 22 2014

David Moyes has been sacked by Manchester United after 51 games in charge. Club legend Ryan Giggs has taken the job on an interim basis.

The club has released a brief statement, thanking the former Everton man for his "hard work, honesty and integrity" in the job.

His sacking follows more than 24 hours of intense media speculation about his immediate future.

Moyes' first season at the helm of the club has been bitterly disappointing, with the defending English champions presently sitting seventh in the Premier League table.

The move, however, is a surprise. Indications had suggested the club were prepared to accept this season as a 'transition' year with much of Moyes' recent rhetoric pointing to a summer of rebuilding ahead.

Reports and rumours, however, of player unrest have been gathering momentum and Moyes has not even been able to complete one season in the job. After decades of stability under Sir Alex Ferguson, this is new ground for many Red Devils fans.

Moyes' tenure began with victory in the Community Shield over Wigan Athletic - but he lost 30 per cent of the 50 matches which followed, including 11 of 34 top-flight games. A run to the Champions League quarter-finals and League Cup semi-finals offered Moyes a glimmer of hope for success - but, in truth, it has been a very poor season.

Giggs has taken charge until the end of the campaign - a move which may unite the players ahead of the four remaining league games, with Europa League qualification still a distinct possibility.

Farewell David Moyes - they never did play like Fergie's boys.