Moyes ‘coming to terms with scrutiny’

Former Everton manager loses first game in charge of United.

SYDNEY: Manchester United boss David Moyes said he still needs to come to terms with the level of scrutiny he faces as manager of one of the world’s biggest football clubs.

The Scot, who has been in the high-profile job for just two weeks after replacing Alex Ferguson, on Saturday lost his first match with his new side 1-0 against the Thai All Stars in Bangkok.

Moyes, 50, said the pressure of managing at Old Trafford did not compare with his decade in charge at English Premier League rivals Everton.

“I have to put this in perspective and it is completely different,” said Moyes.

“The amount of support we’ve had, the amount of interest we’ve had from you people [media] ... constantly we are watched and scrutinised and it’s something I’ll need to come to terms with.”

Moyes was speaking ahead of next weekend’s sold-out pre-season tour match against the Australian A-League All Stars in Sydney.

“The previous manager, Sir Alex, told me what to expect. I’m following probably the finest football manager that’s ever lived.

“I’m always saying if I can even win a quarter of what he won, I’ll have done very well.”

Aspas bags debut goal for Liverpool

Liverpool’s new Spanish striker Iago Aspas marked his debut with a goal in a 4-0 friendly win over Preston at Deepdale.

Aspas was signed from Celta Vigo for £7.7 million during the close-season and he gave a glimpse of why Reds manager Brendan Rodgers was so keen to land him with a fine second-half strike against the League One side.

The 25-year-old curled home Liverpool’s final goal as they eased their way back into action in their opening warm-up, a fixture organised in honour of Reds’ legendary manager and former Lilywhites player Bill Shankly.

“Iago works hard, he’s got a trick in and around the box and he excites supporters,” said Rodgers.

“He’s a good guy and he works very hard for the supporters.

“He drifts well in between the lines and always wants to receive the ball, but what I like is that he wants to score goals.

“He’s looking to create and combine or go solo by himself and get a shot in. His goal was a terrific strike.”

Philippe Coutinho, Jordon Ibe and Raheem Sterling were also on the scoresheet for Liverpool.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 15^th, 2013.

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