David Moyes is already history at the London Stadium, as former Manchester City supremo Manuel Pellegrini agreed to a three-year contract to become the Hammers’ new boss until 2021. Few United supporters were excited by the appointment of Moyes mid-season, but there’s no doubt that the Scotsman steadied a ship that could easily have sunk into Championship oblivion. When you consider that United was staring the relegation zone in the face post-Christmas and that Moyes generated around £25 million in revenue on player transfers during the January transfer window, he did a credible job in steering West Ham to 13thplace, nine points clear of the drop.
The club’s owners, David Sullivan and David Gold, endured plenty of criticism throughout the season; not least during the club’s 3-0 home defeat to Burnley when a small section of supporters entered the field of play to protest their ownership. It almost seems that the appointment of Pellegrini was designed to placate many of the Hammers faithful that had been quite vociferous in their displeasure at life at the London Stadium since leaving Upton Park. Without a doubt, Moyes and Pellegrini are cut from a similar cloth in man management. Pellegrini will also demand the levels of commitment and discipline that Moyes asked of his players.
One thing that’s also guaranteed is that the Hammers will experience more interest from Chile and South America. According to the Unibet Premier League fanbase survey, currently, Chile is the 35thnation on the planet with the highest concentration of West Ham supporters, but this will likely rise in the coming months.
Where Pellegrini may be an upgrade on Moyes is his more expansive approach on the pitch. Forget Jordan Hugill-type signings. Historically, Pellegrini has built his sides around influential playmakers, which will be music to the ears of both Marko Arnautovic and Manuel Lanzini. In fact, Pellegrini is often praised for enhancing the careers of Juan Roman Riquelme at Villarreal and Isco at Malaga, with the latter now plying his trade as a Galactico with Real Madrid.
Undoubtedly, Pellegrini will seek to make four or five signings to freshen up the squad during the summer, with enigmatic wide man Javier Pastore reportedly a number one target. His trusted sidekick Ruben Cousillas is also expected to join forces as his assistant. His hope to return United to European competition has whet the appetite of the supporters; let’s hope he can fulfill his promise and do so in the style that befits the club’s traditions and values.
