Moyes understand the United method
Manchester United concluded their pre-season tour of Australia and the Far East with new manager David Moyes now understanding why they are a champion side.
United recorded only their second win in five games by beating local Hong Kong outfit Kitchee FC 5-2.
It was a satisfactory end to a long trip.
But for Moyes, who only officially took charge on July 1, it was an invaluable experience.
“I am taking away the great experience of my first trip with Manchester United in general and what the football club means around the world,” he said.
“I have also had a chance to get to know the players and try to settle into my new environment and for the players to get to know me as well.
“They have been working with a great manager for a long time a lot of them, so it is going to take time.
“But I have really enjoyed working with them. They have been incredibly professional.
“I can see why they are champions because of the way they conduct themselves and go about their business.
“I have been very impressed.”
Due to land this morning after heading straight to the airport following the final whistle, Moyes will be reunited with Wayne Rooney, who is scheduled to play in Sweden next Tuesday.
He may also decide whether to turn interest in Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines into a formal offer.
In Fellaini’s case the matter is complicated by a clause, thought to be set at £22m, which is due to expire tomorrow.
Moyes’ conundrum is whether to activate the clause by offering the stated amount, or allow it to lapse in the belief he could get the Belgian for a lower figure given, apparently, he is surplus to requirements at Goodison Park.
A question regarding potential movement of personnel was met with a dismissive: “I couldn’t give you any more update than I have said before”, from Moyes.
However, Monaco sporting director Vadim Vasilyev has claimed in L’Equipe that winger Nani “has been offered to us”, whilst admitting no talks have taken place.
Even less controversial subjects such as Jesse Lingard and Adnan Januzaj require some thought. For had Alex Ferguson still been the manager the pair would almost certainly be looking at a spell on loan when, as it turned out, they were two of the shining lights over the past three weeks.
“A couple of the young lads, Adnan and Jesse Lingard, who I didn’t know as much about, did well and Wilfried Zaha, who has just joined, he has shown what he is capable of in the games he has played,” Moyes said.
“I think they will go away from the trip feeling they have contributed to it.”
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