Sunderland A.F.C.: Three hopes and one fear
By Sean Maslin
The big fear: That the ghosts of Manchester United still haunt David Moyes.
Three years ago it would have seemed strange to see David Moyes at Sunderland. That may sound like a knock against Sunderland but remember at the time Moyes was the talk of the Premier League. Having had a very successful tenure with Everton Moyes was slated to go to Manchester United, taking over for Sir Alex Ferguson. It was expected that Moyes would come in and United would continue on their merry way to more titles.
But three years later things are very different. Although it is a bit unfair to lump all of United’ problems on Moyes, he was clearly not the solution. The former three-time LMA Manager of the Year left the club after just one season with the Community Shield being the only thing to hang his hat on. A stay at Real Sociedad produced a similar result last season. So can he make a comeback?
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It is unclear at this point. Sunderland certainly have the tools and the players to becoming a solid middle tier Premier League side. But remember: that late season change of form came from Sam Allardyce, a coach who prioritized defense and being highly organized. Moyes has always had more of an aggressive style, one aimed at playing more open and attack-minded. Sunderland really isn’t built for that type of system as it stands and it may take some time to put that system in. Time is not something that this club has.
Moyes is certainly a quality manager. But is he the right manager for Sunderland? Given his style and his torrid run of form recently it may not be the right fit for The Black Cats.