Former Manchester United manager David Moyes has disclosed that he was once offered the managerial position at Sheffield Wednesday but declined it after seeking advice from Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary Manchester United manager.
Currently without a club after his contract with West Ham United ended, Moyes, 61, began his playing career with Celtic in 1980. He also played for clubs such as Cambridge United, Bristol City, and Dunfermline Athletic before ending his playing days at Preston North End, where he transitioned into management.
Moyes’ first managerial role was at Preston North End, where he led the team to promotion from the Second Division (now League One) to the Championship in 2000. His success at Preston caught the attention of several clubs, including Sheffield Wednesday. Ultimately, he chose to join Everton, where he enjoyed a successful tenure before a short-lived and troubled stint at Manchester United, where he was sacked less than a season after being appointed in April 2014.
Handpicked by Ferguson to succeed him at Manchester United, Moyes frequently sought advice from the revered manager throughout his career. On the Rest is Football podcast, hosted by Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards, Moyes shared how Ferguson was a consistent mentor for him.
“The truth is, I used to go to Alex quite a lot for advice – Alex and Walter Smith. Over my career, I’d been getting offered loads of jobs, and I’d go to Alex and ask him what he thought,” Moyes said. “Years ago, I got offered the Sheffield Wednesday job, and different jobs. And I would go to Alex and he’d say, ‘you can’t do that because of him, him and him.’ He was like a mentor.”
In 2019, Moyes elaborated on his decision to turn down Sheffield Wednesday, revealing he was in high demand before eventually joining Everton in 2002. “I met Southampton and I met Nottingham Forest. There were other clubs at the time that were interested,” Moyes explained.
Moyes’ managerial career has seen various highs and lows, with his time at Everton being particularly noted for its success. His brief and turbulent period at Manchester United, following Ferguson’s retirement, remains a significant chapter in his career, marked by the challenges of succeeding one of football’s greatest managers. His consultation with Ferguson, especially regarding career decisions, underscores the deep respect and reliance he had on Ferguson’s wisdom and experience in football management.
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