Manchester United manager David Moyes ignored the advice of Sir Alex Ferguson with regards to setting up his own coaching team, according to Eric Steele.
The former Everton boss opted to select his own backroom staff when taking over at Old Trafford, despite the fact that Ferguson had recommended him to keep the setup as it was.
Moyes chose to bring in Chris Woods, Steve Round, Jimmy Lumsden and Phil Neville while ditching assistant manager Mike Phelan, first-team coach Rene Meulensteen and goalkeeping coach Steele.
"He spoke to me, Mick and Rene," Steele told the United We Stand fanzine. "I told him I thought it was a brave decision. He listened to the manager's advice, but he wanted to be his own man. I didn't want to leave. Why would I?
"I knew that David was coming in and wondered who he would bring. You had the United perspective - the manager saying, 'Keep what we've got, keep the continuity, work with them and they'll guide you through. You're taking on a massive machine here. You've gone from Marks and Spencer's to Harrods.' Then there's David's viewpoint, which I understand. I know him professionally.
"I know his work ethic, his hands-on approach. I don't blame him for doing what he did. I've been in the game long enough to know how it is. But it's ironic, isn't it? You've just been part of a team that has had a great season and won the league. David De Gea's had his best season. Does it make sense that you're not retained to continue the good work? Sadly, that's out of my hands."
United have endured their worst start to a Premier League season in 24 years so far this campaign.
Matt Cotton
