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LONDON. — Manchester United boss David Moyes is ready to make a massive shake-up of his scouting system after being stung by criticism. United chief Moyes has been carrying out a review of how United find stars after a faltering first window in charge at Old Trafford.
And the new Reds chief plans to bring in his own men, tried and trusted talent-spotters, as he overhauls his team.
United took ferocious stick for only landing Everton old boy Marouane Fellaini in the window, with poor intelligence on other targets.
Moyes wants staff who do not just spot players but know exactly what their chances are of signing them.
The United boss was on the trail of Thiago Alcantara when he was leaving Barcelona but Mirror Sport can reveal the main snag was doubt about his transfer fee.
Midfielder Alcantara had a fixed price in his contract but United had conflicting reports on the cost.
United sent chief scout Jim Lawlor to Spain to meet the Alcantara family. The Irishman was also involved in the failed bid to sign Cesc Fabregas.
And Moyes was further embarrassed by the Ander Herrera fiasco and the failed late moves for Fabio Coentrao, Mezut Ozil and Sami Khedira.
New chief executive Ed Woodward infamously flew home from United’s pre-season tour on transfer business but kept missing targets.
Rather than bring in a director of football — a decision that would undermine Woodward — Moyes wants better and or effective scouts.
And if Moyes first few weeks in the job were not stressful enough, now the man he replaced in the dug out is to receive the honorary freedom of Trafford borough.
Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will be formally honoured at a meeting of councillors on October 14, said Trafford Council.
Sir Alex is also being recognised by the local authority with the renaming of a road near Old Trafford stadium from Waters Reach to Sir Alex Ferguson Way.
It means that on the day of a home game United’s new manager Moyes will stand in the shadow of the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand, having driven to work along Sir Alex Ferguson Way, in the borough of Ferguson’s Trafford!
Sir Alex said: “I am delighted to accept this honour from Trafford Council. When I arrived at Old Trafford in 1986 I had little idea of the journey that awaited me. Over quarter of a century later, to receive the Freedom of the Borough of Trafford and to have a part of Trafford carrying my name is truly humbling.”
Council leader Matt Colledge said: “Sir Alex has contributed significantly to Trafford over a sustained period of time through his strong leadership of the Manchester United team and it was felt that the Honorary Freeman title and the renaming of the street was a fitting tribute to him.
“Football contributes significantly to the borough through the large number of visitors it attracts and jobs it creates. It has been through the success of the team that the club has grown in strength over the years, becoming one of the world’s most successful and renowned clubs.” Ferguson follows in the footsteps of another legendary United boss, Sir Matt Busby, who in 1993 saw the road leading up to Old Trafford — Warwick Road North — renamed as Sir Matt Busby Way. — The Mirror.
Online Reporter