RVN warns Moyes of United expectations

Posted Tuesday, June 04, 2013 by Foxsports.com

Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has warned David Moyes everyone associated with the club expects to win major trophies - and in style.

The Scot has the unenviable task of succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson, whose 26-year reign at Old Trafford was laden with silverware.

Moyes did not manage to win a trophy during 11 years at Everton - admittedly working with a fraction of the Red Devils' budget - but Van Nistelrooy said that would not be acceptable at his new club.

"Success at Manchester United? It doesn't matter which manager it is you need to compete on all fronts so that will be expected of him and I don't think that will be a surprise (to Moyes)," he said.

"I think everyone expects a league title, FA Cup, Champions League trophy and playing some good football.

"In that sense the pressure is full on but I think he knows what he is getting into.

"I don't know him personally but he looks like a guy who will handle that."

Moyes does not officially take charge until July 1 but has already been familiarising himself with the set up at the club.

Recruitment of his backroom staff has yet to be finalised but assistant manager Mike Phelan and goalkeeping coach Eric Steele have already been moved on.

More are expected to follow - coach Rene Meulensteen is virtually certain to depart despite being offered a role in charge of the youth set-up - as remnants of the Ferguson era are gradually whittled away.

However, former United defender Henning Berg does not believe Moyes will have any issues putting his own stamp on things and gaining the respect of the players.

"I don't think (exerting his authority) will be a problem," said the Norwegian, who had a brief spell in charge at Blackburn last season.

"The way he leads I am 100 per cent sure he will have the respect and authority any way.

"I am sure he is looking forward to the job. Everyone says it will be very difficult after Sir Alex Ferguson - and it will be - but it is a great opportunity to be honest.

"David Moyes has time to plan, he will know the league, know the people.
"He had his staff working well at Everton and he knows the guys he has been working with and that works.

"But I am 100 per cent certain it would have worked with Mike Phelan and Rene as well.

"But that is his decision and he wants to do what he feels is right for Manchester United to be the best they can be."

Berg also expects there to be changes to the playing staff as well.

"There need to be additions and of course there will be a few changes to the playing staff because

Sir Alex Ferguson would have been doing that any way even after they won the league because you are looking to improve," he said.

"I think there will be additions and in central midfield, with Paul Scholes retiring, looks like where they will be looking to improve."

As well as identifying the right people to bring in Moyes has to deal with the thorny problem of Wayne Rooney, whom had a transfer request rejected last month according to Ferguson.

Van Nistelrooy believes the 27-year-old England international has to leave the club if he is not entirely committed.

"It is a matter of how he feels. If he feels he is committed to the club I think there is an opening," said the Dutchman.

"If he says there isn't I don't think there is a future for him but it is up to him.

"I think the fans would love him to stay but it depends on the commitment.

"If he is fully here everyone loves him but when he is not fully committed it is probably better to move on."