06 May 2023 , 12:53
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Replacing Sir Alex Ferguson was always going to be a tough task for David Moyes, and the former Manchester United boss got off on the wrong foot when he banned players from eating fish fingers, chips and mushy peas.
The dish was said to be a favourite from Ferguson's time at the helm. Within months of the legendary manager's departure, though, it was off the menu.
Nearly a decade on, Moyes has re-established himself as a Premier League manager after his short-lived Old Trafford stint. He will welcome United to the London Stadium as West Ham boss on Sunday, with his 10 months in Manchester a distant memory but one with elements which some recall even now.
As reported by ESPN, Moyes' decision to take fish fingers off the menu was down to a desire for the squad not to be eating "kids' food". The Mail, meanwhile, notes that Fergie favourite Ryan Giggs immediately restored the menu option when he took caretaker charge after Moyes' 2014 dismissal.
It wasn't just the food which prompted Moyes' downfall, of course. Results on the field were concerning, with United - reigning Premier League champions when the Scot joined from Everton - falling to a seventh-place finish.
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After underwhelming spells at Real Sociedad and Sunderland, Moyes took over at West Ham during the 2017-18 season. He returned for a second spell in charge in 2019 and finished just one place behind his former club last season, but the Hammers are struggling in the bottom half as they prepare for their latest meeting with United.
What went wrong for David Moyes at Man Utd? Have your say in the comments section
David Moyes lasted less than one season as Manchester United manager (PA)Moyes' team sits four points clear of the bottom three going into this weekend's fixtures. However, with potential six-pointers against Leeds and Leicester on the horizon, not to mention the upcoming two-legged Europa Conference League semi-final against AZ Alkmaar, he wants his team to secure safety as early as possible.
“The sooner we get the points required, the better,” the former Everton boss said. “I don't think there's a better formula than just saying the next game is the most important, get it done. We're hoping we will never have a season like this again. We're hoping we can get back away from where we've been.”
“It [the threat of relegation] stops you from getting plans in place as much as you'd like because we've still got to get that win we're talking about that would make sure we're a Premier League club. It holds you back a little bit from going and getting on with things and making the next part of the decisions which you have to do."