Is time running out for David Moyes?

If there is one thing I know, it is that there aren’t many managers who would want to be in David Moyes’ shoes as of now. Things aren’t going exactly as he had planned or fans had hoped when he took up the managerial role at Manchester United. It’s not easy being him, I can tell you that. Taking over the responsibility of managing one of the greatest clubs in the world from one of the greatest managers ever can be a daunting task for most men, Moyes’ being no exception. Lesser men would have crumbled by now but Moyes is exhibiting no such sign which is a saving grace, to say the least.

The present seems rather gloomy for Manchester United. Any ardent fan will tell you that this has been the worst start to the season by the club since the 2001-02 season (in which they finished third, the club’s lowest finish in the Premier League’s history) and the last few games have been really disheartening. United now stand at ninth on the table, 13 points adrift of leaders Arsenal and 7 points behind derby rivals Manchester City. After an uplifting victory at Arsenal, the United team have lost a little color, drawing against Tottenham and Cardiff City followed by two successive losses against Everton and Newcastle United. Things are much better in the Champions League where they are perched atop their group and sure to advance to the next round.

Many have questioned David Moyes’ decisions, including his purchase of Marouane Fellaini who isn’t exactly doing the purchase amount justice. Luck isn’t exactly favoring the Scot either, with prolific striker Van Persie being out for the past few games with a groin injury and now Wayne Rooney, who couldn’t play in the match against Newcastle because of the yellow card he picked up at Everton. Rumours of Persie being linked to a shock transfer deal from Barcelona are not helping the manager’s cause either.

However, this is Manchester United in question here. It is the same club that gave Alex Ferguson a chance for three years straight when doubts about him being able to transform the club were becoming increasingly audible. That faith paid off, in a way that at time was not even imaginable. I believe that the same courtesy would be extended to Moyes as well. Yes, things are different from back when SAF took over but the emotions remain unchanged. One must remember that Moyes has come in at a difficult time. The team he inherited is populated by senior players on the wrong side of 30. Moyes needs time to make his team before a fair assessment can be made and the club owners recognize that. The only outcome that will seriously jeopardize Moyes’ future at Manchester United is if they fail to qualify for a Champions League spot next year and falter at the beginning of next season as well. With half the season yet to be played and the January transfer window coming up Moyes has enough breathing space. Ferguson had enough faith in his fellow countryman’s abilities and I’m sure that it is not without reason. David Moyes will not go down meekly and as they say, when the going gets tough, the tough get going.