Can Moyes turn United around this season?

David Moyes’ appointment as Manchester United manager in the summer was always going to put the Scot under almost unparalleled pressure due to the success of his predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson.

However, it’s probably fair to say that even the most pessimistic Red Devils fan would not have predicted that their team would find themselves ninth in the table in December, with their chances of retaining the Premier League title looking extremely slim. They are now 25/1 to win the league this season.

There’s no doubt that the nature of his appointment meant the 50-year-old was already behind many of his rivals in the transfer market, especially as United have become famous for often completing their business by the time their players return to pre-season training.

Things were different this time around though as he and the club’s new chief executive Ed Woodward failed to lure a number of top stars, with their only signing of note being the boss’s former Everton midfield favourite Marouane Fellaini.

Although the Belgian cost £27.5million, he has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford, often looking as if he is trying too hard to live up to the expectations of wearing one of the most iconic shirts in world football.

In truth Fellaini may have been the wrong type of midfielder to bring in as for the last few seasons the United engine room has been crying out for creativity.

The Spanish trio of Thiago Alcantara, Cesc Fabregas and Ander Herrera were all linked to Manchester in the summer and one of these would really have made a difference to the side.

However, despite their relatively lowly league position, things aren’t all that bleak as, although the Reds now look more likely to be aiming for a top four finish than a title shot, the decision to bring Moyes in was always seen as a long-term project. He is actually odds-on with Paddy Power in their David Moyes specials to be United manager come the season end.

It also mustn’t be forgotten that the champions still have a host of top young talent in the likes of David de Gea, Phil Jones and the sensational Adnan Januzaj.

The undoubted potential of these players, plus the tactical nous of Moyes means that the future is bright at Old Trafford and although they may struggle a bit this season, some smart recruitment next summer could see them come back even stronger.