Moyes' Mistake, Transition and Tactics.

Turmoil and confusion are words that have been frequently used by the media regarding Manchester United's first season under David Moyes. Although the one word that has been most predominantly plugged has been 'transition'.

Transition has been thrown about a lot by the fans and pundits. It's been used by them as a way of backing up poor results and as a way of reassuring themselves and others that the natural order will eventually be restored at Old Trafford. 

Obviously a transition meant that time was required for the new manager to settle into new surroundings, but how long does a 'transition period' actually last? What happens if these results spill over to next season?

At a time when football clubs are run like reactionary businesses, it's hard for new managers at any level to perform under extreme pressure, with five Premier League managers having already been sacked this season. This may be slightly different at United because of the history and backing of Sir Alex Ferguson during similar tough times. But nevertheless, the pressure is on.

Talk of transition is still rife after eight months of Moyes’ reign and it will undeniably still be murmured once the season has finished. 

Moyes’ Mistake

People have tried to pinpoint specific reasons as to why it's taking so long for things to gel at the club but it's essentially an accumulation of problems giving Moyes headaches.

One certainty is that the Scott didn't help himself at the start of his tenure when he made the bold decision to axe all of the previous coaching staff, despite the conflicting advice from Ferguson. When Moyes revamped the caching staff it meant he was surrounding himself with those who are similarly unfamiliar with United's structure and routines. Exceptions perhaps can be made for Neville and Giggs, but would it not have been more beneficial for Moyes to surround himself with staff that possesses the experience and the ready-made personal relationships with the players?

If Mike Phelan and Rene Meulensteen had still been in their previous roles when Moyes took over it would have made for an earlier and far smoother 'transition'. He could have familiarised himself with new players and situations with reassurance from practiced assistants. Instead, it was the players who had to adapt to broader background adjustments than first expected. Moyes speaks of transition but in essence he discarded the agents of his transition.

Tactics

This season Moyes has put attacking emphasis on deliveries from the wings with the hope that his forwards and a charging midfield can attack these. But with over 420 failed crosses domestically (a new Premier League record) and only 3 goals in total this season from midfield players, these measures simply haven’t proved a success.

The fans want new players brought to the club but if the team is continuously set out in that precise manner, would new signings actually make a difference?

If Moyes continues to primarily go wide for attacking prowess then a new winger would be the noticeable solution to amend the problem of deprived supply. Although the majority of transfer talk has been of a left back so far in January.

The main problem is the obvious absence of an influential midfielder. Teams have regularly found United out this season in their systematic style of play. They need a midfield man who can dictate play going forward, hold the ball when games are becoming too open and who can help ease the goal scoring burden on the strikers. That vital player would make the difference for an under pressure Moyes and help Manchester United play with more fluidity, like teams of the past.

By @leegormley