Although he was reserved, some might even say recalcitrant, when asked how he felt about taking his team to Old Trafford having had such a poor time there as a manager, there was a certain gleam in his steely blue eyes that hinted that he indeed DID have some very strong thoughts on the matter, but as is his way he chose to stone wall the questioning.
The home side might well run out winners today, but if you took a straw poll of the fans at Old Trafford, there is every chance they would snap your hand off if you offered them the services of the Hammers manager instead of the procession of under achievers they have had to put up with year on year.
A team assembled at massive expense is being put to shame by their even wealthier neighbours, in addition to being outclassed by their rivals over in Merseyside. They are STILL the biggest football club in the World from a merchandising and foreign viewing perspective, but the tide has turned both domestically and in Europe in pure footballing times, they have become a group of disparate players, many of which are desperate to leave what they see as a sinking ship that is a long way off from being rescued.
How would David Moyes fare if he was put in control at Old Trafford now? Hopefully we will never find out, but if he did take over the reins there the players would definitely be taken out of their comfort zones. Manchester United's loss is Hammers gain, this is clearly illustrated by their reluctance to even countenance doing a deal with West Ham for Jesse Lingard because they see Hammers as a GENUINE RIVAL, so irrespective of the result today it is worth bearing in mind just HOW FAR the club has progressed over the last TWO years, on a budget that is a fraction of that expended by todays opponents.
There will be setbacks, but the overall trajectory of the club under Davd Moyes has been a joy to behold for the majority of Hammers fans, although of course there are some who will never be happy, no matter how well the team plays. You know who you are Mr Miserable, the guy who buys a season ticket in order to spend the entire game complaining about how poor Hammers are, he has done so for over four years now and just happens to be located right next to where we have our Org group season ticket!
There is a much needed break after this afternoon's game ahead of the FA Cup game against Kidderminster which will have the eyes of the nation on it, courtesy of it being picked for live broadcst by the BBC in their anticipation of the game being a possible giant killing. Be happy - LN
