No burial for Moyesy, but no bouquets from the wolves either

They came to bury Moyesy, certainly not to praise him.

“What could be Man United’s last game in the Champions League for a while,” was how Billo introduced it.

Even Moyesy’s pre-match defiance echoed like a message from the other side. “They’ve had great success here at Manchester United and they’ll have great success in the future.”

It wouldn’t even be a full, ceremonial affair. Just Kenny Cunningham and Eamon Dunphy in studio to administer the last rites.

No Gilesy to remind everyone to consider the game on its merits.

“The media wolves are circling around Moyes,” warned Eamo, just a couple of days after he had prowled the 2FM airwaves and urged the Glazers to pull the trigger, rather than risk the manager blowing the summer kitty.

“A high-pressure game for David Moyes, partly because of that man’s presence,” said Billo, as Fergie loomed into shot. In truth, the line-up had Fergie’s prints all over it, with Giggs restored as the pivot.

Time for Moyes to face Handel’s music. “A huge, huge night if this music is to be heard again in this stadium this season or indeed next,” reminded George, before delivering a further indicator of lowered Old Trafford expectations. “Manchester United win the toss; good start.”

On track, by the half, for a stay of execution. “Playing Giggs was an inspired choice. He has no mobility but he’s poised,” said Dunphy. But praise was faint. “I think Moyes picked the right team tonight. But there are times when you look at Man United and go: my God.”

Eamo was, at least, confident the research had been done. “I’m sure they know they need a third goal.”

Van Persie obliged. If Robins once saved Fergie, Robin had rescued his successor.

From there, George switched to remedial mode and spent much of the second half doing what he does on nights like this; explaining the away goal rule.

And yet, after all the reminders, he still hadn’t got it himself. “If they were to score now, United would have to score twice. But if United were to score again, it’s over.”

Logic, not Moyesy, would be the night’s main casualty. But even as he darted for the tunnel with a new spring in his step, Moyes was still dancing with wolves.

Kenny said: “Give the United players credit. But I think we saw the inherent weakness in United. That was a very average Greek side.”

Dunphy added: “It’ll take the pressure off Moyes for a week or two. He made some astute selections. Welbeck coming in stretched Olympiacos. But they gave up an awful lot of chances and possession to a very poor team.

“David Moyes’s inheritance from Alex Ferguson is a poor set of players by United’s standards. And he’s got a hell of a job. To get away with it, with Evra, who can hardly walk and Ferdinand who’s a crock, was a bit of a miracle. I thought he handled the last 20 minutes badly. They took all the pressure off Olympiacos and it was mistake.

“It’s not the dawn. We’re seeing the end. We’ve been looking at the end for some considerable time.

“The real question is this; who’s going to buy the players and identify them? I would say, if it was my money, I wouldn’t give it to Moyes. It’s a whole new ballgame and he’s never been in the ballgame.”

No burial then, but no bouquets either. What about a rose by any other name? Eamo: “Why didn’t they get Lionel Guardiola?”