• Premier League

Neville: Van Gaal has it easier than Moyes

ESPN staff
August 8, 2014
Will United will be in the title fight?

Louis van Gaal has it "easier" than David Moyes did at Manchester United, according to Phil Neville.

The Dutchman has been tasked with restoring United to the Champions League after their dismal seventh-placed finish last season.

Phil Neville says he must take some of the blame for David Moyes' failure at Manchester United © Getty Images
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Having replaced Sir Alex Ferguson after 27 trophy-laden years at the helm, Moyes was sacked just 10 months into a six-year contract though Neville feels his former Everton manager's task was "impossible".

"I've had sleepless nights thinking about Manchester United last year," he told Test Match Special during the second day of England's fourth Test against India at Old Trafford.

"It was almost an impossible job to replace Sir Alex Ferguson. Louis van Gaal has it much easier in that respect.

"Last year was a failure, a disaster but we cannot blame David Moyes. He's an outstanding manager and it just didn't work out last year. We have to take collective responsibility."

Neville stayed on as part of interim manager Ryan Giggs' coaching staff for the final four games of last season after Moyes was sacked, and was hoping to keep his job this season.

However, the former United midfielder says he turned down a role at the club to take up a punditry position on Match of the Day this season.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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