Glazers fly in to discuss new United manager

LONDON — The Glazers will fly in to Manchester to meet Ed Woodward tomorrow (April 25) for discussions with the executive vice-chairman about who is to replace David Moyes as United’s manager.

Led by Joel Glazer, with whom Woodward talks on a daily basis, the owners want to ensure a clear strategy is established regarding how to pursue their prime target, thought to be Louis van Gaal.

With the Holland coach taking up official duties on May 7 at a training camp for Netherlands-based players, Van Gaal and the Dutch Football Association have stated that any action regarding his post-World Cup future should finish before then so that he can concentrate on the tournament.

Van Gaal has been clear that if this does not occur he is content to wait until mid-July, when the tournament ends and his contract expires, to find a club. Woodward is aware of the May 7 deadline and believes that if Van Gaal is to be the prime target a deal for him to take over after Brazil 2014 can be signed off and announced before then.

Woodward will discuss this and other potential candidates, who include Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti, with the Glazers, along with transfer strategy.

The Glazers are thought to want a more hands-on role in finding Moyes’s successor than last year when they allowed Sir Alex Ferguson to choose the Everton manager as his replacement.

Woodward was in Madrid yesterday to see the Champions League semi-final first leg between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. It is not known if he planned to meet Van Gaal, who is at his holiday home in Portugal, before returning home. The Irish Examiner has reported that Van Gaal would like Roy Keane, the former United captain and current Republic of Ireland No 2, as his assistant if he takes the job.

The Glazers will also see Ryan Giggs, United’s caretaker manager, tomorrow to wish him luck for Saturday’s visit of Norwich City and for the subsequent final three matches of the season.

Moyes took a parting shot at United’s players by stating the squad requires “fundamental rebuilding” on a day when the League Managers Association chief executive, Richard Bevan, claimed the manager’s sacking was done unprofessionally.

He was told he would be removed early on Tuesday morning at United’s Carrington training complex, but believes he was treated in a shabby manner as news of his probable removal broke in the media on Monday afternoon.

Moyes chose to focus on the failings of the squad and it was notable no thanks were offered to the players. “We were fully focussed and committed to the process of the fundamental rebuilding that is required for the senior squad. This had to be achieved while delivering positive results in the Premier League and the Champions League.”

“However, during this period of transition, performances and results have not been what Manchester United and its fans are used to or expect, and I both understand and share their frustration.

“To have been appointed as manager of Manchester United, one of the biggest football clubs in the world, was and remains something of which I will always be incredibly proud,” Moyes said.

“The LMA is very disappointed with the nature of David’s departure from Manchester United and to read extensive reports in the press, confirming David’s sacking, before David himself had been spoken to officially by the club,” said Bevan.

“Throughout his time at United, David, as he always does, has conducted himself with integrity and professionalism, values that he believes in and that have been strongly associated with the club and its rich tradition. It is therefore sad to see the end of David’s tenure at United being handled in an unprofessional manner.”

In response, United said: “We do not accept that it was handled in an unprofessional manner. The decision was not taken until late Monday night and was communicated face-to-face first thing on Tuesday morning. When reports started emerging on Internet news sites on Monday afternoon, no decision had been taken at that time.” THE GUARDIAN