NO SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL!
Ole: I don’t feel sorry for Moyes
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OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER says he has no sympathy for David Moyes being sacked by Manchester United after less than a season in charge.
The current Old Trafford boss insists managing United is a “dream job” coveted by coaches around the world.
And although Moyes – dubbed the “Chosen One” after Sir Alex Ferguson recommended his fellow Scot to succeed him in 2013 – lasted only 10 months, Solskjaer can’t feel sorry for him. “I don’t think you can feel sorry for someone who has managed Manchester United. David wouldn’t have taken it if he didn’t want the job” reflected Solskjaer.
Dream
“It’s a dream job for many, many managers and, unfortunately, David didn’t last for as long as he would have wanted.”
Moyes was left angry and disappointed that executive vice-chairman Woodward axed him so quickly even though United performed poorly in defending their League crown.
The Scot’s reign was over by late April 2014 in a season where United were knocked out in the FA Cup third round by Swansea and failed to quality for the Champions League for the first time in 18 years.
His 27 wins in 51 games in charge was deemed not good enough, leading to the sack and a £5million pay-out before Louis van Gaal was appointed.
Former 1999 Treble hero Solskjaer has managed to survive far longer – 104 games so far – despite coming under pressure to deliver a first trophy since replacing Jose Mourinho.
The Norwegian, who lost semi-finals last season in the Europa League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup, is in his second full season at Old Trafford and knows all about the pressures of managing United.
But although Moyes failed to keep United’s winning run going post Ferguson, Solskjaer insists he has huge admiration for the job he is now performing at West Ham who are keeping pace with the top four.
The United chief added: “David is proving again what he’s capable of at West Ham.
“In football, you shouldn’t be surprised at anything, but I’ve got to say that David has made massive improvements with the West Ham team – this season and last season.
“They have got Michail Antonio really flying and Tomas Soucek is scoring goals.
“After a poor start David made some decisions, stuck with them, and they are up there on merit. You don’t get results over a long period without working at it – and you can see how well organised they are.”
Rmissing
Solskjaer is battling a growing injury list and although he hopes to have reinforcements back to face AC Milan in the return leg of their last-16 clash it is unlikely Paul Pogba will be among them
The French star has been missing since picking up a thigh injury in the 3-3 draw against Everton five weeks ago.
United have won only three of the nine games he has missed so far and Solskjaer said: “We hope Paul will play before the international break, but it’s looking like time is running out for that.
“We are trying to get him fit for the Milan game but we will have to wait.”