Defeat by Liverpool leaves David Moyes on the brink, as Old Trafford hierarchy considers his future

DEFEAT by Liverpool has left David Moyes on the brink, as the Old Trafford hierarchy considers sacking Sir Alex Ferguson’s chosen successor for the first time.

DAVID Moyes’s reign as Manchester United manager could be drawing to a close, with reports from UK suggesting the Old Trafford hierarchy is starting to seriously question his suitability for the job.

Moyes was handpicked for the role by Sir Alex Ferguson but in the wake of the humiliating defeat by rivals Liverpool last weekend, ESPN is reporting that sources at the club have indicated the possibility of sacking the 50-year-old has been addressed for the first time.

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News_Rich_Media: Highlights of Liverpool's 3-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

That defeat left United almost 20 points behind Chelsea in top spot, and 12 points behind Manchester City in fourth, meaning the club’s hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League are all but gone, another major concern in terms of finances and the club’s reputation.

The club’s owners, the Glazer family, are said to be worried by dismal recent performances and results, and even Ferguson is also suggested to be less supportive of his successor at a boardroom level than in the past.

It is believed the tide began to turn after a number of the club’s sponsors expressed their concerns about their brands being linked with such a calamitous season, with huge sums of money being paid to link with a club with a reputation for ongoing success.

The Fox Football Podcast is back to discuss another big week of football. Adam Peacock and Brenton Speed hold the fort in the studio, and are joined by Adelaide United’s Bruce Djite to review the weekend action, while Miron Bleiberg joins us for the first time to preview the round ahead. Daniel Garb is on deck as usual, with Manchester United, relegation and El Clasico top of the agenda.

News_Image_File: Alex Ferguson watches the loss to Liverpool with United owner Avram Glazer.

United’s annual partner conference on Saturday had been attended by all the club’s principal sponsors, unfortunate timing given that executives attended the Liverpool game the next day.

As the season draws to a close, every game will intensify scrutiny on the 50-year-old Scot. As well as having to overturn a 2-0 deficit to Olympiakos in the Champions League at Old Trafford this week, United face a tough test at West Ham at the weekend, followed by the visit of City, aiming to win all their remaining games to be Premier League champions.

News_Rich_Media: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has told Fox Sports European correspondent Daniel Garb that his side arguably could have doubled their tally against Manchester United after they beat the reigning Premier League champions 3-0 at Old Trafford.

One more league defeat would mean the club’s lowest points tally of the Premier League era, placing further emphasis on Moyes’s inability to get the best of a squad that won the title last season, to which he has added Marouane Fellaini and Juan Mata for $118 million, with neither performing anywhere near the level Old Trafford expects.

Moyes is also said to be facing revolt on the ground floor, with United fanzine The Red Issue reporting his relationship with club legend Ryan Giggs has broken down.

News_Image_File: David Moyes’s relationship with Ryan Giggsis said to have seriously deteriorated.

The club denied player-coach Giggs confronted Moyes and his coaching staff after the Liverpool defeat, and that he refused to attend one coaches’ meeting because the manager “doesn’t listen”.

Former Everton striker Kevin Sheedy, who coaches the Merseyside club’s u-18s and worked with Moyes during his time at Goodison Park, has added fuel to the fire by claiming on social media that Moyes was “never interested in our youth team or players”.