"You will have to teach me" - Patrice Evra reveals when he knew David Moyes was doomed to fail at Manchester United
Manchester United legend Patrice Evra reckons David Moyes was destined to fail at the club after his initial interaction with the players.
Moyes, who impressed during his 11-year stint at Everton, was appointed United manager following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013. He had some huge shoes to fill, as the Red Devils had won 13 Premier League titles under Sir Alex Ferguson, among others.
However, things didn't go well for Moyes, as he was sacked in April, not even lasting his first season in charge. He managed 51 games for Manchester United, winning 27, losing 15 and drawing nine.
Evra recently revealed why he thought from the start that Moyes would fail at Old Trafford. In his preview for his book 'I Love This Game' in The Times, the Frenchman said:
“I’m not surprised Moyes is doing well at West Ham. I know how much the players like him. But when he came to Old Trafford and said, ‘Guys, I know you win everything, and you will have to teach me’. I was like, oh my God, you should never do that, they are going to eat you alive.”
After leaving Manchester United, Moyes managed Real Sociedad and Sunderland. He now manages West Ham United, leading them to the UEFA Europa Conference League title last season, their first trophy in 43 years.
Manchester United legend Patrice Evra opens up on Sir Alex Ferguson benching him in 2007 FA Cup final
The Red Devils faced Chelsea in the 2007 FA Cup final after beating Watford 4-1 in the semifinals. However, they lost 1-0 against the Blues, with Didier Drogba scoring in extra time.
Patrice Evra, who started in the semifinals, remained on the bench for the final. The Frenchman revealed in an interview, that he was disappointed to not play, especially, as the FA Cup is the only trophy he didn't win in England.
Evra said (via The Sun):
“That was really painful. The only trophy I didn’t win in England was the FA Cup, so it was even worse. I couldn’t help the team.
"I warmed up for 80 minutes. I was close to ending my career with United. I didn’t shake hands with Alex Ferguson after. I am happy to die in the battle, but I have to be in the battle.”
Evra joined Manchester United from Monaco in 2006 and spent eight years at the club before moving to Juventus. The former left-back made 379 appearances for the Red Devils, registering ten goals and 38 assists. He won five Premier League titles with the club, among others.