David Moyes throwing the baby out with the bathwater

David Moyes ignored Sir Alex Ferguson’s advice to retain his Manchester United backroom team, according to the club’s former goalkeeping coach Eric Steele.

Steele was fired by Moyes in the close season, along with assistant manager Mike Phelan and first-team coach Rene Meulensteen.

Moyes chose to bring with him his Everton backroom staff comprising Chris Woods, Steve Round and Jimmy Lumsden, whilst also appointing former United and Toffees midfielder Phil Neville in his first full-time coaching role.

United’s 2-1 home defeat by West Brom on Saturday means the club has now made its worst start to a league season for 24 years.

Steele has now revealed how Moyes handled the changes in coaching personnel.

“He spoke to me, Mick and Rene,” Steele is quoted as telling fanzine United We Stand. “I told him I thought it was a brave decision.

“He (Moyes) listened to the manager’s advice, but he wanted to be his own man.”

The 59-year-old says he respects Moyes’ decision but is not convinced it was right for the club.

“I didn’t want to leave. Why would I?” he added. “I knew that David was coming in and wondered who he’d bring.

“You had the United perspective – the manager saying, ‘Keep what we’ve got, keep the continuity, work with them and they’ll guide you through. You’re taking on a massive machine here. You’ve gone from Marks and Spencer’s to Harrods.’

“Then there’s David’s viewpoint, which I understand. I know him professionally. I know his work ethic, his hands-on approach.

“I don’t blame him for doing what he did. I’ve been in the game long enough to know how it is.

“But it’s ironic, isn’t it? You’ve just been part of a team that has had a great season and won the league. David De Gea’s had his best season. Does it make sense that you’re not retained to continue the good work? Sadly, that’s out of my hands.”

United find themselves in 12th spot in the Premier League table after six games, eight points behind early-season pacesetters Arsenal.