Moyes arrives with new backroom team

David Moyes is relishing the challenge of replacing Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

Moyes arrived at what is now known as the AON Training Complex at 8am yesterday to begin the task of succeeding the most successful manager British football has known.

As anticipated, shortly afterwards came confirmation that Steve Round, Chris Woods – who will remain the USA’s goalkeeping coach until next year’s World Cup – and Jimmy Lumsden had followed Moyes down the East Lancs Road from Everton, filling the posts vacated by Mike Phelan, Eric Steele and Rene Meulensteen since Ferguson’s exit.

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“I have worked with Steve, Chris and Jimmy for a number of years and I am delighted they have decided to join me at this great club,” said Moyes. “They bring great qualities in their respective fields and I know that, like me, they feel that this is a challenge to relish. I have great faith that together, we can build upon the success this club has enjoyed.”

Moyes faces a tricky dilemma in his handling of Wayne Rooney.

Although it was suggested Moyes wanted Rooney to remain at United despite the England man’s falling out with Ferguson at the end of last season, it seems that hope will not be realised.

It has been suggested by a source close to the impending discussions that the odds are presently “60-40” in favour of the 27-year-old ending his nine-year association with Old Trafford.

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Rooney and Moyes held one meeting immediately after the Scot’s appointment, when it was decided further discussions were needed.

But with a formal acknowledgement that Rooney never actually asked for a transfer, as Ferguson stated after his final home game in charge against Swansea in May, a significant stumbling block to an agreement, and action required on a massive contract that only has two years remaining, it is difficult to see the striker’s opinion altering significantly.