David Moyes Faces Player Rebellion at Manchester United Despite Board Backing
Manchester United manager David Moyes is facing a mutiny at Old Trafford with players growing increasingly frustrated with this tactics and training methods, reports suggest.
The current Premier League champions are set to record their lowest points tally in the Premier League era after an abject campaign that has seen them lose 10 games, another new low for the club.
Despite the club's woeful attempt at defending their league crown, Moyes' backing from the United board remains resolute, underlined by recent comments from Sir Bobby Charlton who insisted the club had not made a mistake in naming the Scot as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor last summer.
However, the Daily Telegraph report concern amongst United players has grown, a feeling exacerbated by the club's dismal 3-0 home defeats to their biggest rivals Liverpool and Manchester City in a space of nine days.
The root of the players' frustrations reportedly stems from a drastic shift in tactical approach in training, one that deviates from the club's attacking traditions. United players are said to be disgruntled with Moyes' regimented focus on organisation and retaining shape rather than sessions that focus on using the ball, which they became accustomed to under Ferguson and former coaches Mike Phelan and Rene Muelensteen.
While he has the backing of those in charge at Old Trafford, Moyes is said to have few allies in the dressing room amid growing discord at the club. In an effort to curb the ill-feeling emanating around Old Trafford, former club captain Roy Keane has called for senior players Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand to step up and assist their under-fire manager.
"They are lacking a few leaders at the moment and I don't think they have that type of player in the group," Keane said. "But I think United will be alright and David Moyes will get plenty of time. The man deserves it.
"He's got vast experience but his staff – Steve Round and Phil Neville – and a couple of senior players, Rio and Giggsy, they have to step up to the plate. One or two of the new players are getting criticism, but it's up to the players who have been there a few years who know what United are about."
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