The former Everton boss was alerted of the implications of breaking up the formidable coaching team at Manchester United by Sir Alex Ferguson but chose to bring in his own staff, according to former goalkeeping coach Eric Steele.
Assistant coach Mike Phelan, first team coach Rene Meulensteen and Steele were all released over the summer as Moyes brought in Chris Woods, Steve Round and Jimmy Lumsden with him from Everton. He also appointed former United and Everton midfielder Phil Neville in his first full-time coaching role, while Ryan Giggs was installed as a player-coach.
David Moyes’ brilliant changes has played a part in United having the worst start in 24 years with three defeats and a draw in their first six games, including two consecutive league defeats to Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion.
Steele revealed in an interview that Moyes was warned by Sir Alex not to break a winning formula but he ignored the advice and let some of Fergie’s key personnel go.
“He spoke to me, Mick and Rene,” Steele told fanzone United We Stand. “I told him I thought it was a brave decision. He listened to the manager’s advice, but he wanted to be his own man.”
“I didn’t want to leave. Why would I? I knew that David was coming in and wondered who he’d bring.
“You had the United perspective – the manager saying, ‘Keep what we’ve got, keep the continuity, work with them and they’ll guide you through. You’re taking on a massive machine here. You’ve gone from Marks and Spencer’s to Harrods.’
“Then there’s David’s viewpoint, which I understand. I know him professionally. I know his work ethic, his hands-on approach.”
“I don’t blame him for doing what he did. I’ve been in the game long enough to know how it is.
“But it’s ironic, isn’t it? You’ve just been part of a team that has had a great season and won the league. David De Gea’s had his best season. Does it make sense that you’re not retained to continue the good work? Sadly, that’s out of my hands.”
“There were massive changes – the manager, chief executive, Scholes retiring and the coaches,” Steele said. “But there are enough players in that dressing room to win when it really starts.”
“My time was up, I’m proud of what I did at United and I have great memories.”