David Moyes has identified Manchester United’s main issue but does not attribute it to either the manager or the players.
Moyes believes United made the correct choice in retaining Erik ten Hag, despite rumors of the former Ajax coach being dismissed earlier in the summer.
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Instead, he suggests that the club’s biggest challenge is their fierce rivals, Manchester City, rather than anyone on their own team.
United ended up in eighth place in the Premier League but managed to win the FA Cup. Moyes is skeptical about their chances of overtaking the champions, who are striving for their fifth consecutive title in the 2024-25 season.
Speaking on William Hill’s podcast Up Front With Simon Jordan, Moyes said: “Erik ten Hag is fighting it at the moment, but he’s done well given the massive amount of pressure on him.
“Sometimes issues with the manager are easy things for the players to use as excuses. Players at United used to have an unbelievable winning culture inside the club.
Ten Hag has been fighting a battle for the past two years, and let’s not forget he’s won two trophies in that time. I admire him for his determination to fight back against the criticism.
“There was a situation in the summer where people are talking about the security of his job, and I disagree with that, I think it’s a horrible position to put the manager, he’s dealt with that with incredible dignity. He’s come back and is challenging and fighting, he wants to make it right.”
“Overall, United’s biggest problem isn’t their manager or their players, it’s Manchester City and Pep Guardiola.”
United will play Liverpool in their final pre-season friendly this weekend before facing Manchester City in the Community Shield on August 10. After that, Ten Hag’s team will start their Premier League season against Fulham.
