The Red Devils’ home is an intimidating place.
When David Moyes walks through the door tomorrow to take charge as Manchester United manager for the first time, he’ll know all about it.
The history, the legacy of those who have gone before him, the weight of expectation all of it will fall on his shoulders.
The atmosphere of the place is completely unique, and if you’re not prepared for it, it can affect you.
When I was at Ipswich, I always loved playing at Old Trafford.
But when I signed for United on the same day as Gordon Strachan and Jesper Olsen my relationship with the place started to turn sour.
If you don’t start well at United, the punters are quick to let you know about it.
They certainly left me in no doubt about what they thought, and that’s their prerogative.
But it’s also why it’s important Moyes gets off to a flier.
If the United fans don’t take to you, Old Trafford can become a graveyard.
First things first as far as Moyes is concerned what’s happening with Wayne Rooney?
You can take it to the bank that it will be the first question asked at his first Press Conference.
But even though big Davie will only officially takes charge tomorrow, I reckon he’ll already have an answer one way or the other.
He’s fortunate that whichever way it goes, I think he’ll have the fans’ backing.
If Rooney wants to leave, the punters will say: “Fine. Off you pop. No-one’s bigger than the club.”
They’re in no doubt how good Wayne is, but they’ve also seen the bad side of him and they’ll accept there’s no point having him if he’s not 100% committed.
On the other hand, he IS a good player. So if he stays, Moyes will be given credit for convincing him.
From there it’s up to him to go about his business in the right way, and get his players ready for that all-important first game.
He’s shown over more than a decade at Everton that he’s more than capable of that, so I don’t foresee any problems behind the scenes.
What will make or break him as United boss will be how the fans take to him, the way his team plays football, and the results they get.
The United legions have been raised on success, so they’re unlikely to be particularly patient.
But I reckon Davie’s got everything in the locker to make sure Old Trafford doesn’t haunt him and I hope he does.
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