“This was what happened to Moyes at Old Trafford” — Patrice Evra

Patrice Evra has lifted the lid on what he believes was the critical misstep that led to David Moyes’ downfall at Old Trafford as Manchester United manager.

In a recent interview on the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast, Patrice Evra reflected on the turbulent period following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 and pinpointed the moment that set the stage for Moyes’ short-lived reign.

According to Evra, Moyes’ biggest blunder was made during his first address to the squad. “He mentioned how we knew how to win already, so he wanted our help to help him win trophies,” Evra revealed. This comment, intended to build rapport, instead raised eyebrows and created tension within the squad.

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Evra recounted how he even visited Ferguson, asking the legendary manager to intervene as Moyes’ approach unsettled several players. “There were a few occasions when I went to Sir Alex Ferguson’s house, asking him to speak with Moyes as he was upsetting quite a few of the players,” Evra admitted.

The French defender also shared his personal grievances with Moyes, particularly regarding the manager’s interest in signing Leighton Baines without properly assessing Evra’s own contributions. Despite the initial friction, Evra ultimately appreciated Moyes’ gesture of apology, though he recognized that Moyes’ tenure was marred by deeper issues.

“When Moyes left the club, I said to the players to stop blaming Moyes for our performances,” Patrice Evra said. “We weren’t good, and that was because we feared Sir Alex Ferguson.” For Evra, the core issue wasn’t just Moyes’ management but the lingering shadow of Ferguson’s legacy and the squad’s struggle to adapt.