Hand picked as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor by the man himself, David Moyes’ tenure as Manchester United manager has ended 10 months into a 6-year contract.
Less than a year ago the then vacating Scotsman cast a long shadow, one Moyes struggled to step out of.
That shadow was of a presence that masterminded the collection of 38 trophies over a 27-year period at Manchester United.
Whoever was to succeed Fergie would have found those shoes particularly tough to fill at any rate.
A penny for Sir Alex's thoughts right now - the decision to remove Moyes as manager is billed as being based on results on the pitch not being good enough.
Reasoning anyone would be hard pushed to argue with following United’s lowest points tally in the Premier League era.
Others suggest he lost the dressing room, was out of his depth, not the calibre of tactician capable of leading a club like Manchester United.
Whatever the fine details, to a club and ownership that proclaimed the marriage between Manchester and Moyes would not yield to the culture of sacking managers, has sacked the manager.
The Press Association reported this morning that Ryan Giggs would take 'interim' charge of the Red Devils until the end of the season.
Thereafter, the rumour mill is chugging along nicely, here’s a list of potential replacements:
Jurgen Klopp
Many in the media and beyond see the charismatic German as the front-runner for the Old Trafford vacancy.
However, you sense the Dortmund project is far from finished, having only in the last couple of seasons established themselves as a force in Europe after nearly going out of business in 2005.
The 46 year old has captured 2 German league titles, 1 German cup and an appearance in the Champions League final for the BVB.
The former manager of Mainz signed a new five-year contract at Dortmund in October last year, halting any notion of a move away from Germany.
Contracts are meaningless I hear you cry? Not to this committed head coach.
Klopp told the Guardian: “Man Utd is a great club and I feel very familiar with their wonderful fans. But my commitment to Borussia Dortmund and the people is not breakable.”
A man of honour, dignity and duty. Enough said.
Diego Simeone
Has a growing managerial reputation in Europe having taken Atletico Madrid to La Liga’s summit and to the semi finals of the Champions League this season.
He also lead Madrid to the Copa Del Rey last season and the UEFA Super Cup and Europa League prior to that.
When asked about the United job during his pre-match press conference ahead of the Champions League semi final with Chelsea tonight, Simeone refused to comment, claiming he was focused solely on the task at hand and nullifying Chelsea.
He is also remembered for an altercation with one David Beckham at the France 98' World Cup.
Would Simeone like to test himself in England? Would he be suited to it?
Roberto Martinez
Worked wonders at Everton this season, if the 2-0 win over United last weekend told us anything, its how far Everton has come under Roberto Martinez and how woefully disenchanted Manchester United are by comparison.
Much like Klopp and Dortmund, Martinez and Everton have a good thing going at the minute, a project worth continuing rather than walking away from before anything is truly achieved.
Still in with a shout of finishing fourth, exciting Everton have a bright future under the guidance of Roberto Martinez.
Carlo Ancelotti
The current Real Madrid coach and ex Chelsea boss has the credentials you’d expect Manchester United to see as desirable.
However, Ancelotti has done his time in England, winning both the Premier League and FA Cup whilst at Stamford Bridge. Is taking the helm at United really in his sights? I’m not so sure.
The Italian did have his say on Moyes departure: “I feel sorry for David Moyes, but that's the life of a football coach, sometimes it doesn't go well for you and you are sacked.”
The 54 year old continued: “I am a little surprised because Manchester United don't normally do this.”
Class of 92
Evergreen Ryan Giggs is in ‘interim’ charge until the end of the season, whose to say his tenure couldn't be extended should he steady the ship with a good run in the four remaining fixtures, against teams you’d expect United on their day to skittle over.
Other graduates of the class of 92’ are already at the club such as Nicky Butt and Phil Neville. Old favourite Paul Scholes hasn’t been so far removed either, working with Under-19s manager Butt earlier in the season.
Gary Neville has TV commitments as well as with England, but I’m sure he’d make an exception for the club he spent the entirety of his club career at, amassing over 600 appearances.
Could the Fergie Fledglings usher in a new era at Old Trafford? There’s a certain romance to this.
Louis Van Gaal
The obvious choice.
Van Gaal has a near peerless abundance of experience managing some of the biggest clubs in European football, winning the big games, and the trophies to boot.
The 62 year old is currently in charge of the Dutch national team, a role he will leave after this summers World Cup - which would dispel any problematic compensation issues.
He’d also be able to channel the abilities of Robin Van Persie, who has had a relatively quiet season by his own standards.
Van Gaal has said of Moyes’ mismanagement of the Dutch striker: “The football from Man United now is, for him, maybe difficult but then he wishes to show his technique. Technique [levels] in the Dutch team [are] higher.”
You wouldn't bet against Van Gaal bringing the best out of Van Persie should he arrive at Old Trafford, the Dutch international has netted 6 times in 4 World Cup qualifiers for the Netherlands.
With Van Gaal’s experience comes a reputation, players of the highest level would want to play for him, buy into his philosophy and what he would be trying to do. He’d build a cohesive team, a Manchester, United.
Dominic Solanke - 16 - Forward The Chelsea youngster has become a key member of Peacock's team in recent months. The 16-year-old scored England's goal in the final and boasts an impressive record for the Three Lions, netting 11 goals in 14 appearances. Powerful, athletic and quick, Solanke is a regular for the Chelsea Under-18s. His late brace helped the Blues to a thrilling 7-6 aggregate victory over Fulham in the FA Youth Cup final earlier this month.
Jonjoe Kenny - 17 - Defender Scored the winning penalty in the shoot-out. Kenny spent seven years in the Everton academy before signing scholarship forms with the Toffees in June 2013. The defender is equally adept at full-back and centre-back, and made his debut for the Under-17s in the Euro qualifier against Armenia in October.
Patrick Roberts - 17 - Forward The 17-year-old possesses a blend of great skill and technique which makes him a valuable attacking outlet. Played a part in England's goal against Holland and topped the assist charts with four, as well as weighing in with three goals during the tournament. Made his first-team debut for Fulham against Manchester City in March having signed professional contract that will keep him at Cottage Road until June 2016. Is rumoured to have caught the eye of Arsenal, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Ryan Ledson - 16 - Midfielder Captained the Under-17s to the title. Has spent 11 years at Everton's academy, signing as a scholar in 2013 at the same time as Jonjoe Kenny. The tough-tackling midfielder has excelled in the middle of the park for England and his smooth passing is often at the heart of England's approach play.
Freddie Woodman - 17 - Goalkeeper The son of Newcastle goalkeeping coach Andy Woodman is one of the most highly-rated young goalkeepers in the country. Conceded just one goal during qualification and has been a regular starter for Newcastle's Under-18s. Has yet to make a competitive appearance for the Magpies' Under-21s but did play for Newcastle's reserves in a friendly against York aged just 14. Signed a long-term contract with Newcastle earlier this year.
Taylor Moore - 16 - Midfielder Born in London, Moore has lived in France since the age of seven. On arriving in France, Moore played for Etaples before signing for Lens, where he has spent the last five years. The midfielder joins an exclusive club of English players who have donned the national jersey while playing abroad, following the likes of David Beckham, Owen Hargeaves and Michael Owen. A relatively new addition to the Under-17 set-up, having joined up with England for the first time in February.
