Neville calls out Man Utd for ‘totally wrong’ treatment of former manager with ‘unbelievable plans’

Phil Neville says Man Utd were “totally wrong” to sack David Moyes when they did as he had “unbelievable plans” to take the club forward.

The Scot was chosen as the man to replace Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of the 2013/14 season after the legendary boss decided to retire from football management.

Moyes joined on a six-year contract but was sacked by the Red Devils in April 2014 after just 51 matches in charge with Man Utd seventh in the Premier League table.

Every Premier League club’s surprise star of the season, featuring Eriksen, Elanga and…

Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have all tried to bring the glory years back to Old Trafford since Moyes left but they have yet to get close to winning a Premier League title post-Ferguson.

Moyes has transformed West Ham into a side that was competed for the top four for most of the season, while the Hammers have reached the Europa League semi-finals this season.

And Neville thinks sacking Moyes is “one of the biggest mistakes” Man Utd have made since Ferguson left in 2013.

“If you look back now, it was totally wrong the lack of time he was given, totally wrong,” Neville told Sky Sports.

“The lack of time, the lack of backing, the lack of investment that other managers have had…

“That’s the biggest thing. When we both left the club, we both needed another season, we both deserved another season.

“Ten months at Manchester United in a difficult period when the greatest manager of all time had just left wasn’t enough.

“Moyes had unbelievable plans to take the club forward in that summer. I’d say that was one of the biggest mistakes United made, not giving Moyes more time.

“He’s proven now at West Ham that with time he can build a successful football club. It was one of my biggest disappointments in football when he was sacked by United.”

Erik ten Hag will be the next manager to bring regular success back to Old Trafford with Man Utd confirming him as the new permanent manager from the end of the season.

Neville added: “There obviously needs to be big changes. But what I would say is things can change very quickly.

“I’ve heard people say it will take six or eight years. It can change in 12-18 months if you pick the right manager and get the right players in and get the structure around the club right.

“All it will take is two or three good signings and the team can get some momentum. Look how quickly things turned around for Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp.

“Manchester United need to be back challenging for titles. But no one will hand them the title and Liverpool and Man City are brilliant teams so it’s a big task to turn it around.”