2012/2013 season: 29 games played, 48 points, 46 goals scored, 35 goals conceded
2013/2014 season: 29 games played, 48 points, 46 goals scored, 34 goals conceded
Yes, you guessed it. The first line above refers to Everton, the second to Manchester United. The common denominator: David Moyes. What does this remarkable similarity tell us about the Scottish manager though? It tells us he will be better in years to come, should he be given the time.
Why? Its simple. Manchester United have better players than Everton. For United to have the same record as Everton last season requires there to be various extenuating circumstances that have pulled them back. These could be any of:
- transition (this will inevitably be longer than at most clubs because Alex Ferguson was at the helm for that extraordinary 26 years)
- disinterested players: the older players are not all on-board. Look at "captain" Nemanja Vidic for one.
- adaptation: Moyes is still learning and adapting to his role.
- home form: United's abysmal home form has to be an anomaly.
Once these factors diminish Manchester United will improve. Juan Mata is a better player than Steven Pienaar. Wayne Rooney is a better player than Steven Naismith. David de Gea is a better player than Tim Howard. Michael Carrick is a better player than Darron Gibson. Robin van Persie is a better player than Nikica Jelavic. Marouane Fellaini however may be a worse player than Marouane Fellaini.
The point is clear. United have better players than Everton. They also have better training facilities, a better medical centre, and a bigger transfer budget. On this basis there is no reason for them to performing at the same level as Everton under Moyes. Add in the additional factors that have come with Moyes' first season however, and it makes a bit more sense.
Now none of this means this season has been acceptable under Moyes. It hasn't. It has been atrocious. What it does mean however is that once Moyes has adapted, once the transition is over, once all the players in the squad are fully committed and interested, and once the home form picks up, Manchester United will be better. Moyes may not be the best manager in the world, but he is better than this. And so, if he gets his time, Manchester United will be better than this.
