David Moyes sacked as Manchester United manager
Ryan Giggs appointed as interim manager
Daniel Taylor: Moyes has missed every realistic target
Klopp rules out taking United job
3.56pm BST
Well, not exactly "all". There's plenty of coverage of today's events unfortunately sans playlist about on the site. Much has been made here of who is really to blame for United's
hilarious
plight and indeed that's the question Owen Gibson is asking:
Few could argue that David Moyes was not ultimately the architect of his own downfall. But he was far from the only person culpable in a comedy of errors that has seen England's biggest club plummet from league champions to also-rans within 10 tumultuous months.
Moyes lost the players, the fans and - finally - the boardroom through an inability to show that he was making progress on the pitch. That forced the hand of the club's absentee owners as they contemplated a long overdue rebuilding operation and concluded the former Everton manager could not be trusted to oversee it.
3.51pm BST
"Given the thoughts of some that Ferguson suggested Moyes to make himself look better," writes Rob Hardy, "then I suggest The Falls Kicker Conspiracy for Daves ipod."
Manchester's second-best ever band after The Bee Gees, you can have that*.
3.48pm BST
We're going to be ending this in around five or ten minutes. Because I've got to go home. Get yer comments in quick, folks.
3.45pm BST
How many managers will be volunteering to help promote the next PL season..? pic.twitter.com/ebdzXV6aew
3.45pm BST
Courtesy of Giles Allison: "If Wenger quits at the end of the season as has been suggested by many, which would be the more appealing managers job? (Likely) Champions League football, but having to follow a club legend, or a European-less season following what can only be called a disaster."
Oddly I can see Martinez or Klopp, two of the better-looking (not like that) names being bandied about, preferring to work at Arsenal where they could shape the club in their own image, rather than join a club so successful so recently.
3.30pm BST
Here are some memes, if that's your thing.
3.27pm BST
Paul McKeown kindly donated five minutes of his lunchtime to making you all smile via the medium of this blog.
3.24pm BST
"Dan, I am a little late getting to this, pesky work," writes Chris Sutcliffe. "Has any one mentioned Marcelo Bielsa, his Athletic Bilboa ripped MU apart last year."
I'm often surprised at how little his name gets mentioned for top jobs. He's off to Marseilles in the summer though, I believe.
3.20pm BST
Thanks to Josh Hopkins, who draws attention to this. Seems legit.
3.18pm BST
"I think the most surprisingly thing out of this entire story is that not one news organisation has a quote from Harry Redknapp. What's the world coming to?" parps Graeme Neill.
3.13pm BST
Legal disclaimer: that last bit was a joke.
3.13pm BST
"So why have I not yet read a single response from Ferguson about this?" demands a furious Gene Salorio. "Not even a 'no comment' or even a 'Sir Alex Ferguson could not be reached/did not return a phone call.'
"I haven't read any of the columnists reporting whether he was consulted about or even informed of Moyes sacking."
We did try to get hold of him, but to no avail.
3.10pm BST
"I find it strange that Solskjaers name hasnt been raised at all," writes Liran Kessel. "Do you think he would have been a candidate had he not moved to cardiff, and struggled so far? He had a long and successful apprenticeship with Uniteds youngsters and did wonders with Molde."
No. Cardiff have been utterly useless under him and looked far better under Malky McKay. Coaching in the Norwegian league and at a junior level haven't provided Solskjaer with the managerial talent to keep Cardiff up; he's nowhere near a club of United's stature.
3.06pm BST
Want to know how people inside football are feeling? Hannah Ellis-Petersen has a round-up here.
3.00pm BST
"I know The Smiths have already been covered," writes Malachy O'Neill, "but the lyrics in 'How Soon is Now?' provide an uncanny resemblance to David Moyes' tenure at Man Utd:
Theres a club if youd like to go
You could meet somebody who really loves you
So you go, and you stand on your own
And you leave on your own
And you go home, and you cry
And you want to die
2.56pm BST
Bayern's press officer on Pep to Manchester Utd: "Tell the people in England: no chance".
2.55pm BST
Here's a tweet from The Wedding Present's David Gedge:
So how are we all going to celebrate my birthday tomorrow?
2.52pm BST
Juan Mata is now on his 6th manager in English football. He only arrived in August 2011.
2.50pm BST
"Hi Dan," begins Mischa Watson, writing in response to Kiran Kulkarni (see 2.37pm). "Manchester United won the title with 89 points last season, irrespective of the challenge other clubs put up, that sort of points total wins you the title most seasons. Yes there is a transition period, but Moyes should have done better than 7th place."
That's a pretty good riposte, although I'd say that if the other teams weren't so poor then surely United wouldn't have managed 89 points?
2.45pm BST
A fair few people have been bandying Roberto Martinez's name around as the next United manager. I don't think that would be the worst move and to my eye he looks like a better manager than Moyes. But United have hired a manager from Everton with no experience of managing a massive club before and look how that turned out. I can't imagine that the club would entrust a £100-200m budget to someone who's never had anything like that to spend, unless they had a seriously sparkly CV.
2.42pm BST
I am not publishing effin' Coldplay on here.
2.37pm BST
Kiran Kulkarni is speaking a lot of sense here:
"We shouldn't forget that when Sir Alex won the title in his last campaign, there was minimum challenge and threat posed by Mancini's City, Benitez's Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool & others. Point to be noted is he did not do well in Champions League as well as Europa League. Lost to Atheltco Bilbao as well.
2.36pm BST
"If only Dave had had a folder titled 'Exciting attacking football', or 'Forward passing', or even 'Just chuffing run around a bit', maybe it would all be different," LOLs Matt Dony, who is kidding himself if he thinks I'm going to let him have the pseudonym Max Power.
2.34pm BST
"Good Afternoon!" writes the deceptively breezy Derek Robertson. "Admittedly, losing one's job is never fun, or easy to deal with, but all the people spouting faux outrage about it being a travesty etc need to get a sense of perspective.
"1) He was headhunted to front a billion pound sports empire. By every conceivable metric, he had failed miserably, and didn't look capable of even steadying the ship, never mind turning it around.
2.28pm BST
Hell yeah, The Horrors.
@DanLucas86 Endless Blue by @horrorsofficial - he should have remained blue, he blue the season for @ManUtd & because he will be blue
2.26pm BST
Here's some information courtesy of someone who wishes to be known as Handsome B. Wonderful. I'll let them have that, because I like the Simpsons reference.
In respect of David Moyes' case, don't you worry. I've argued in front of every judge in this state -- often as a lawyer.
It's likely that they have served notice of termination in accordance with his employment contract, but will want to arrange a settlement for less than he is entitled to under the contract, getting him to waive his right to sue MUFC in exchange for a reasonable payout.
2.24pm BST
Well he's on Twitter. He's not here at Guardian Towers.
As a @ManUtd fan I would like to thank David Moyes for giving his 100% in a very difficult job, and I wish him all the best going forward.
Also I like to wish Ryan Giggs all the very best in his new role at @ManUtd #2matches2wins #RyanGiggs
2.22pm BST
Back in January, our very own Danny Taylor reported that Wayne Rooney will now be consulted over all transfers. Can anyone really picture someone like Klopp being willing to run things by Wayne? He's liberal enough with the eff-word at the best of times...
2.19pm BST
It came to my attention during Jamie's webchat that some of you were arbitrarily posting Game of Thrones spoilers in the comments section. Rest assured your IP addresses have been logged and Sandor Clegane is on his way round for a word. You little Joffreys.
2.16pm BST
I'm something of a music nerd, so do keep the suggestions for Dave's iPod coming. As a City fan, Elvis Costello's 'Brilliant Mistake' is my favourite suggestion so far, courtesy of a man called John's iPod.
2.13pm BST
"I certainly don't take pleasure in the banker who fixed us up with the Glazers doing the sacking," writes Patrick Gannon, "and the ownership of the club is the real rotten problem for sure. But I'm surprised by how generous people are being to Moyes, he got just about every big call wrong. Most of all he showed no evidence that he was adaptable or would change, thus how could anyone have kept hope that things would get better?
An Evertonian friend of mine used to say he found Moyes' lack of self-awareness embarrassing... I thought about that as I was cringing on Sunday when he claimed United were the better team against Everton (before going two down and getting the Lever Arch Set Pieces folder out) and he seemed to actually believe it. Nice guy (as media types keep reminding us) or not... Moyes is the reason Moyes got the sack."
2.11pm BST
Thanks to Michael and to Jamie for their sterling work so far. I join you bringing the news (via Sky Sports) that Manchester United are yet to agree a severance deal with Moyes. Does this mean he hasn't technically been sacked yet? I'm not an expert in
anything apart from
The Simpsons seasons 2-9
employment law I'm afraid. Don't worry though, United fans, he is gone, I'm sure of that.
2.04pm BST
Readers, friends. I'm going to be relinquishing the keyboard now as I've got a a Fiver to write, but fear not, Dan Lucas will be here to take you through an afternoon of Moyes-related news, reaction and tunes. Please email dan.lucas@theguardian.com from here on out.
Thanks for all your emails and tweets, it's been as fun as one could hope for from a man getting fired. Bye!
1.42pm BST
We went and asked some Manchester United fans standing outside of Old Trafford what they were thinking, and this is what they said
1.34pm BST
Ut oh, the Bristol Post have opened up a can of worms ...
@JohnCPenny @michaelbutler18 Hey, let's all get in on that action: 'ManU sack bloke I once saw in LHR terminal 5'
1.30pm BST
Nod to @ElGolinho for this suggestion
1.26pm BST
Good to see the Bristol boys fulfilling their SEO quota
@michaelbutler18 seen the Bristol evening post's working of the local angle? http://t.co/IdhtToYSRN
1.21pm BST
'The British media too share along with Moyes' predecessor should own up some responsibility for the chaos at Old Trafford right now, writes Kiran Kulkarni. 'The press and the media in UK never let David settle down. They started to disrespectfully rule out United's chances of a win even before the bus reached the stadium.'
'Surely the biggest problem to be addressed is the Glazers' ownership of the club. Millionaire football club owners who take money out rather than put it in.' sobs Richard Skelton. 'I would put up with five years of mid table mediocrity if it somehow resulted in getting rid of the Glazers, establishing an ownership model that involved supporters as shareholders, and coming again at the end of the decade.'
1.13pm BST
A few unenviable records that Moyes has broken, for you to chew on.
Moyes's ten month in chargeis the shortest reign for a United manager in 87 years.
The 11 league defeats that David Moyes oversaw this season is their most in a season since 1989-90, when they lost 16 and Liverpool last won the title.
United's six home defeats in the league this season are more than the previous three seasons combined.
United have taken just six points from a possible 36 against the top six teams.
1.07pm BST
Speaking ahead of his side's Champions League semi-final meeting with Bayern Munich, the Italian said: "I feel sorry for David Moyes, but that's the life of a football coach, sometimes it doesn't go well for you and you are sacked.
"I'm sure Moyes is going to get another team and another opportunity, but I always feel bad when a coach is sacked. "I am a little surprised because Manchester United don't normally do this."
Not exactly the definitive no that Klopp gave! Although maybe I am just being a bit Sky-Sports-News-Hypey. Yeah I am. He's Real Madrid manager.
1.02pm BST
Can I just say, I have been enjoying an absolute smorgasbord of what might be on Moyesey's iPod this morning. Apologies I haven't had time to get to them all I've only two ears but particularly good shouts include ...
The Kinks - A Well Respected Man (hat tip Graeme Neill)
12.46pm BST
'I think putting all the blame and claiming incompetency on a guy who won the LMA Manager of the Year award 3 times is pretty blinkered', writes Evan Crichton. 'Some players and members of the board should be taking a long hard look at themselves.'
Is chief exec Ed Woodward getting away with it a little bit?
12.40pm BST
The people have spoken! The king is dead! Long live the king!
Louis Van Gaal's Wikipedia already has him as Man United boss @paddypower @JOEdotie @IAmMcloughney @michaelbutler18 pic.twitter.com/UtOAJEhWMo
12.37pm BST
Gary Neville, meanwhile is NOT HAPPY at the handling of Moyes's sacking.
"Football managers now just get tossed around, chucked about, disregarded, rubbished. Decent men, good men just get thrown away and that's not just David Moyes, that's all the way through football."
"I think for togetherness and getting the results and playing a certain way, a brand of football that is more eye-catching, the Man United way, I feel that Ryan Giggs is the right person."
12.32pm BST
A lot of sense here from John Punter, on the email.
'I do feel sorry for Moyes and I think he'll be hard-pressed to get close to a top six/seven club now. I am an Spurs fan (alas) and I don't want him anywhere near the White Hart Lane home dug-out...which is funny because BEFORE his United tenure I'd have probably been happy to have him as our manager.
12.23pm BST
Football, bloody hell.
Nothing is certain, but I can't see Giggs behind given the job on a full-time basis, even if he wins all four of Manchester United's league games. I expect him to be involved in some capacity, but much more likely to be a link between the existing players and a new man, much as Phil Neville is now. Giggs been taking his coaching badges and spoke to Stuart James last month about his philosophy going forward. This is well worth a read.
12.06pm BST
'Moyes obviously listening to The Who's Behind Blue Eyes this morning, while the rest of us are singing Wont Get Fooled Again' whistles Iain Sedgley.
No one knows what it's like
To be hated
To be fated
To telling only lies
12.01pm BST
I can't see why Ancelotti would leave Madrid for this circus, unless he's pushed of course, while Hiddink will be taking the reins from Van Gaal for the Dutch team, once the World Cup is finished.
11.57am BST
'Why is the shortlist of successors so short? What is Hiddink up to? Heynckes? Or luring Ancelotti from Real even?', asks Ben Somner.
I'd say the shorlist is so short because there aren't that many world-class managers available. I would love to see Jupp Heynckes get it but at 68 years of age, he is probably too old to be considered a long-term solution. With such a large investment due in the summer, Manchester United will want a man that will bring a new philosophy to the club for years to come. That said, after gambling on Moyes, I can see somebody proven getting the post. Van Gaal is exactly that, and could arguably get the best out of RVP, provided he stays fit.
11.45am BST
A musical suckerpunch, courtesy of Christopher Barrie
11.39am BST
If you have any other suggestions as to what Moyes might be listening to this morning, I'm all ears, so to speak. Email/tweet/etc
11.37am BST
The carousel begins to spin ...
@michaelbutler18 Van Gaal to United, Pardew to Southampton, Pochettino to Spurs, Moyes to Newcastle, Sherwood to Swindon, fade to grey.
11.34am BST
'Can you confirm when Klopp told the Guardian he didnt want the United job, was it before or after the sacking of Moyes? If it was before the sacking might this have now altered his standpoint, particularly if he gets a firm offer from United?'
Through the mysterious channels of Rafa Honigstein, Klopp's words were said after the sacking, so I'm afraid for all fans of Jurgen that it's looking unlikely.
11.30am BST
On Moyesey's headphones this morning ...
Does anyone else think lead singer Glenn Tillbrook looks a tiny bit like Moyes?
11.28am BST
No word yet from the main man himself, we're expecting a statement in the near future. And by 'statement'', I mean a League Managers Association press release, having a pop at the Manchester United board for being 'brash', or something. And by 'the near future', I mean anytime in the next week.
11.25am BST
Another thing to point you towards is our gallery: a blow-by-blow account of how it all went up the junction for Moyesey.
11.20am BST
Hi all,
First up, a massive thanks to Jamie, it's been a busy morning for him.
11.11am BST
Michael Butler will be continuing the webchat as a live blog, with breaking news, plus the latest reaction.
Do keep your comments, emails and tweets rolling in.
Ok, that is it for me. Thank you very much for all the questions.
Cheers
11.01am BST
Malus:
'Hi Jamie,
There's a chance, but I think he may be on the B list
11.00am BST
Lardons:
'Personally, I think it should be Klopp but that it will be Van Gaal.
My instinct is that Klopp is a better fit but today he has said no way, so that would seem pretty definitive. However, this is football...
10.58am BST
DC1234:
'JJ - Diego Simeone? He's got that fiery, tenacious side, his team personifies this, and there is an element of romance or whatever you might call it in his priors with Beckham and United - from villain to hero?'
You should move to Hollywood and make a sum penning blockbusters...
Seriously, he is a good candidate but maybe it is a little soon for him...
10.56am BST
goto100 has got his ear to the ground.
'Jamie, I'll ask again. How realistic are expectations about the amount (150 - 200 million I have heard) that Utd can spend on players in a rebuilding this summer?'
That's what we're told on a consistent basis: that there is a heck of amount of money available if needed. So let's see
10.56am BST
yougottabekiddinme asks:
'On player power, outside of he transfer window, is there any mechanism/contractual clause for actually offloading/sacking a player? Not for late night transgressions or pretty-face head butt related incidents but you know for not actually doing their job?'
all of that would seem to fall within the 'gross misconduct' category so yes there is a mechanism. But if you are talking about players, how do you prove they are not doing their job? Very difficult if not impossible
10.53am BST
CaveHill has an theory.
'Can't believe Jamie Jackson is writing off David Moyes managerial career already! One crazy year in the MUFC post Fergie soap opera will not stop him getting a good job (Spurs?, Celtic?). His time at Everton was excellent given the financial standing of that club. As a United supporter God help the next manager with these Yanks in charge of our great club.'
I don't disagree necessarily. Let's wait and see...
10.52am BST
RaRaRossputin asks:
'It seems a lot of sources are suggesting that Moyes has been sacked not simply because of the poor run of form this season, but also because of the supposed 150 million pound transfer budget available this summer (i.e. a lack of trust in him spending this money properly); do you think this is true?'
Yes, i do.
10.49am BST
ID9349644 asks:
'You've obviously been closer to Moyes than us, attending pressers etc. Was there ever a time that you felt Moyes actually felt comfortable in the role?'
I think he became more comfortable - it shouldn't be forgotten that taking over United is a massive ask, especially after Sir Alex Ferguson. My theory was that he might one day make them successful but possibly not with the most exciting football and the fans would not have countenanced that...
10.46am BST
Adurman asks:
'Jamie, is there any realistic chance of Klopp taking the job do you think?'
Well, he's saying no, but a concrete offer to manage Manchester United: hmm...
10.43am BST
ComingThroughFine asks:
'Jamie, do you think this will lead to a major clearout of players at Man U?'
Yes. It was on the way anyway
10.40am BST
poohbcarrot asks:
'What do you think Giggs' first team selection will be?
Will he pick himself...?
10.39am BST
KhakiSuit asks:
'JamieJackson could you speak a little on the dynamics of how this story got out (especially further to Gary Neville's remarks)? Is it deliberately leaked the club? Is it a mole on the inside?'
It is more than my life is worth...
10.36am BST
lagodeluna asks:
'Given that part of Moyes' problem was not taking over til 1st July and not "hitting the ground running" wouldn't Louis v Gaal be even worse as he'll be in Brazil with the Dutch National team till then?'
Yes, how they would get around that I'm not sure... Very tricky as LVG could not be seen to be distracted from the World Cup
10.36am BST
ckarkkent begins the blame-game.
'Alex Ferguson has to shoulder some of the blame. Moyes was the wrong choice. Next manager decision is crucial plus a major restructuring in the summer is needed'
I agree that Ferguson has to take responsibility for basically turning down Mourinho and plumping for Moyes, though he obviously did so in good faith.
10.32am BST
Here's daelen!
'Hi Jamie.
Think answer is a resounding 'No' to second part of your question. The class of '92 is a fascinating narrative strand and kind of sums up why football is so riveting: it is an absolute yarn-fest...
10.30am BST
goto100 asks:
'Given the evidence of player revolt in the decision, doesn't Mark Hughes have a shout? They cannot argue with him. His playing career is on a level with more or less anyone in the current squad. He can surely deal with egos. If they don't respect him, then maybe the players must go next time and not the manager?'
Not sure Hughes fits the current bill. Utd want, even need I suggest, a manager who has won titles and who know how to handle elite players...
10.26am BST
Angad Mejer asks:
'Do you think Fergie would be asked to take over if Utd fail to get a good manager?
Bringing back Fergie would cause chaos since a few players aren't happy with him, like Rooney.'
Yeah, Fergie returning, even temporarily, would be a fair yarn but can it happen? Yes. Will it? Not sure, to be honest...
10.23am BST
theDN asks:
'Jamie:
That may be a dream but who knows? This is football after all... You mention Gary Neville there who is an interesting name. He is obviously United to his bones and big friends with Giggs etc. I could definitely see him being an option - short-term, at least - to assist Giggs... Scholes too
10.19am BST
Chris Harrison has piped up:
'OK Moyes has gone....what about the 'back room' staff he brought over from Everton and replaced the incumbents with? Do they stay or will they follow Moyes elsewhere?
To be honest, I would be staggered if Moyes's backroom staff will stay. P Neville being a former Utd player is an interesting one... Might he stay on? Not sure...
10.13am BST
as asked by pottys99
Sadly, he may never come back from this to a very top club, but Moyes remains a very good manager with 11 years operating at the sharp end of the Premier League at Everton. He is a football man (and a very nice man) through and through so he may take some time out, take stock, and then listen to offers because he will surely be in demand from more middle ranking clubs...
10.11am BST
JacquesCustard asks:
'Who is going to be Giggsy's coaching team considering Moyes ill-advised sacking of the previous lot* and the uselessness of those that Moyes brought in who will be sacked too?
Nicky Butt may assist - he is already a coach at the club
10.09am BST
... from darkwyvern
'A lot of the reporting this morning is implying that the players have had a big influence on this decision behind the scenes, with some senior players disillusioned with Moyes's methods and undermining him to the club hierarchy.
Yes, I was thinking about this before - whichever way you slice it, Moyes being sacked is a reaffirmation of the power of players. In a nutshell, they did not fancy him, believe in him or trust him and he's gone.
In January I reported they were questioning him - http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jan/08/manchester-united-players-manager-david-moyes-credentials-champions-league - and there was far more things occurring than could be reported...
10.07am BST
begbian is in the house.
'Hi Jamie,
Its a fair question. Put it this way, and its said in the kindest possible way, I'm struggling to remember hearing anything too positive about Moyes with regard to his training methods, style of play, man-management and I'd suggest these are thee vital elements of the job...
10.01am BST
Brasil82 asks:
'One man above all others has the clear credentials so why isn't Brendan Rodgers being linked with the vacancy? Because he's at a better club?'
Maybe he will be in time and I have heard him mentioned... But for obvious reasons feels a little distant. The interesting one is Jose Mourinho: he wanted to come pre-Chelsea and now that he would be following the man-after-the-man in Sir Alex Ferguson would he be tempted?
If 'word' somehow got to Utd he was interested, what then...?
9.54am BST
... from TomBridges
'I think United should take the current Everton manager. Martinez plays the right style of football'
Martinez would be a interesting choice and I think the players at United would be keen to play for him. What he has done at Everton this year has been impressive...
9.50am BST
Hoppo asks:
'Does this all show that management at the elite level is now the preserve of a select group of candidates with the right experience? Moyes was as well thought of as any manager last season, but was quickly shown to be out of his depth.'
It's a good question yet Brendan Rodgers had nil experience of a top line club and look how well he's done at Liverpool
9.30am BST
We do have a real, proper football journalist here to answer your questions: Jamie Jackson will be online shortly I believe.
In the meantime, here's the zeitgeisty way that United announced the news:
BREAKING: Manchester United announces that David Moyes has left the club. (part 1 of 2) #mufc
BREAKING: The club would like to place on record its thanks for the hard work, honesty and integrity he brought to the role. (part 2 of 2)
9.25am BST
As was reported in The Guardian yesterday, David Moyes has been sacked as Manchester United manager. I'll be bringing you all the latest news and comment as it comes in, as well as helming the discussion for the next little while.
Continue reading...