First Changes Of The Moyes Era Take Place

David Moyes has wasted little time shaking things up at Old Trafford, with Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant Mike Phelan and goalkeeping coach Eric Steele the first people out of the door.

There had been rumours that the pair were to be released from their contracts this morning, and the club have confirmed their departures this afternoon in an official statement on the website.

Moyes, who assumes his role as manager on July 1st, said:

“I would like to put on record the club’s thanks for everything Mike and Eric have done. I will be looking to appoint my own members of coaching staff at some point in the future, however, I’d like to take this opportunity to give them both our best wishes for their future careers.”

There has been much contention over the decision to let Steele go considering the role he has played thus far in the development of David De Gea. Steele recommended the Spaniard to Sir Alex, and has worked extensively in order to help him adapt to the rigours of the English game. Steele even went as far as learning Spanish in order to aid communication between the two.

Phelan, a title winner in the 1992/1993 season, took over from Carlos Quieroz as assistant manager in 2008 and is said to enjoy a good relationship with the players, bridging the gap between them and Sir Alex.

He has come in for some unfair criticism from fans who don’t quite understand his role in the team, made worse by the fact he had a tough act to follow, replacing Quieroz.