Knives out for Moyes for some time

Hollywood, Oscar-weekend, March. Alex Ferguson has shown up at one of the many showbiz parties and is giving punters the patter. The message

Quotes ping back to London and make the sports pages: “Steady as she goes,” we’re told. A small tempest in Athens is nothing United can’t handle. But one or two illustrious guests who manage to grab a private word with the old man report something more nuanced — a man talking about the possibility that it might not work out after all, and that he would be prepared to do all he could to help remedy a situation for which he bore so much responsibility.

Scene: flashback, Old Trafford, May, 2013. Manchester United formally announce David Moyes’ appointment. The club’s statement carefully highlights Sir Alex’s role in the decision: it is his recommendation, to which the board have assented. Amidst all the emotion and hyperbole accompanying Fergie’s shock retirement, brave are the few who dare question the wisdom of allowing a manager to all but impose his choice as successor. Out in Lisbon, there are howls of rage from José Mourinho’s agent. Few hear them, and even fewer report them. For now, at least.