Manchester United: David Moyes dug his own grave by firing Sir Alex Ferguson’s trusted staff, according to Bryan Robson

BRYAN ROBSON says David Moyes shot himself in the foot at Manchester United before his team even kicked a ball.

Robbo knows the Scot will get a warm enough reception on his return to Old Trafford as Sunderland boss today.

But the United legend says that showing the door to Sir Alex Ferguson’s backroom staff doomed him from the start.

Moyes arrived as The Chosen One after being hand-picked by Fergie to be his successor.

Yet he dumped coaches Mike Phelan, Rene Meulensteen and Eric Steele — and lasted just eight months.

Robson declared: “David was walking into the biggest job in the world and replacing the most successful manager in the world but he needed the right help.

“I don’t want to be seen as hammering David on his return but questions have to asked about his time in charge.

“And, for me, the biggest one is why he got rid of the backroom staff and brought in his own men — none of whom had won a thing as coaches.”

Moyes appointed Steve Round as  assistant manager, coaches Jimmy Lumsden and Phil Neville  and Chris Woods as goalkeeping coach — plus Ryan Giggs as a player–coach. But United’s start was the club’s worst in 24 years with three defeats and a draw in the first six Premier League games.

Robson added: “David made the decisions he thought were right. But staff members under Sir Alex — they are your base. They knew the squad inside out. They understood the heartbeat of the club.”

Robson, 59, also reckons suggestions that Fergie left his successor with an ageing squad that was not fit for purpose is only an excuse.

The former England captain said: “There wasn’t that much wrong with the squad. They had just won the title by 11 points and I know Sir Alex was a genius but was he that much of one?

“Also, as I understand it, David had around £250million to spend that summer. So if there was that much wrong and you have all that money, why not spend it? He did buy Marouane Fellaini and then he got Juan Mata but, really, they did not have an impact.

“I get it that he was trying to do his best and the job he took on was gigantic but mistakes were made in my view and questions have to be asked.”

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Robson also questions the transfer policy of Moyes’ successor Louis van Gaal.

He said: “Van Gaal sold players he should not have. He got rid of Chicharito and Danny Welbeck and you look at the little money he got for them — and how much it cost to replace them. It was ridiculous.

“Most of those who did come in just haven’t done it so Jose Mourinho has had a rebuilding job far bigger than when Sir Alex retired.

“You judge managers by their buys and yes, I know Jose has spent a lot of money but the ones he has brought in show what he is about.

“Pogba, Zlatan, Mkhitaryan, Bailly are all great signings and now that Jose has settled on his tactical formula you are starting to see what can be achieved.

“The title is Chelsea’s to lose but Jose has got them going. My heart did go out to David because the job he took on was just so big. Now Jose is there you can see the progress being made. He will get it right. I have no doubt.”

BRYAN ROBSON heads off in February on a five-day charity trek across the Sahara desert hoping to raise £50,000 to help change the lives of disadvantaged children across the UK.

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