David Moyes’s short and disastrous reign at Old Trafford came to an abrupt end on Tuesday when Manchester United announced he was leaving the club following a hugely disappointing 10-month spell as manager since replacing Alex Ferguson last July.
Announcing his departure in a brief statement, shortly after staff arrived for work at the Carrington training ground, United thanked the Scot for “the hard work, honesty and integrity he brought to the role”.
Newspapers had earlier reported the game was up for Moyes, trumpeting the ‘End of an Error’ after the American owners, the Glazer family, lost patience and decided to sack him.
Moyes, who turns 51 on Friday, was appointed on the recommendation of fellow-Scot Ferguson, who retired at the end of last season after 26 years in the job.
Ferguson had steered United to the title last season for the 13th time and 20th overall.
Moyes’s sudden departure evoked memories of the traumatic spell the Old Trafford club suffered between 1969 and 1971 when Matt Busby retired after 24 years as boss.
