By TERRY VENABLES
IT has already made a direct hit on Manchester and Merseyside.
Now the aftershock of David Moyes’ appointment as the next boss at Old Trafford could be about to send tremors further afield.
Like North London, France, Germany and Spain. In fact, anywhere in the world where there are top footballers plying their trade.
People have said Moyes will have the toughest job in football succeeding Alex Ferguson. What is so tough about it?
The master will leave his apprentice all of his tools so he can continue building success at United.
In football manager terms, Moyes has won the lottery.
He will inherit one of the biggest clubs in the world, a fantastic squad of players and a transfer budget he could only have dreamt of at Everton.
The beauty of the post is that, unlike most new managers going into a club, Moyes will not have to change a thing if he does not want to. He will not even have to move house!
The infrastructure at United on and off the field is already in place for him to go there and win things.
He could make not a single alteration to the squad this summer and they would still challenge for the title next season.
That said, Moyes will want to stamp his imprint on the squad and it will be interesting to see how he handles shopping at Harrods after years rummaging through the bargain buckets.
I know he will be eager to make his mark, but he must not change for change’s sake. He must only bring in the best.
I can see him going back to Goodison Park for Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini, two players who would undoubtedly enhance United’s defence and midfield.
A striker like Borussia Dortmund’s Robert Lewandowski should also be on the radar. And while Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a move back to Manchester from Real Madrid, I think we could get an indication of Moyes’ clout and ambition if Tottenham fail to finish in the top four this season.
You suspect that would leave Spurs vulnerable to bids for Gareth Bale.
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are all said to be interested in signing the double Player of the Year, so why shouldn’t United be interested as well?
You get the feeling Bale needs and wants to be play in the Champions League next season to maintain his progression and stimulation.
In an ideal world I am sure he would rather do it with Tottenham. But if Andre Villas-Boas’ men miss out, their star man may have to look elsewhere.
It has always been thought he would move abroad. But as a father wouldn’t it make more sense to stay in this country for the time being? Then, United would surely be the perfect choice.
Bale is the calibre of player Moyes should now be looking to sign.
Players who inspire others around them in the same way that Robin van Persie has done this season.
That was a masterstroke by Ferguson and it helped his team romp to the title.
I have to admit I was not that surprised by his decision to retire.
For a manager renowned for waving his stopwatch in the air, this is perfect timing.
He goes out on an all-time high and with his own choice of successor about to take over.
I think the Everton manager is an excellent choice. After a decade at Goodison Park he knows the Premier League, players and teams inside out — not like when Chelsea brought in Big Phil Scolari.
He has had relative success keeping the Toffees in the top 10 on limited funds and deserves this wonderful opportunity.
Moyes will not have to worry about trying to emulate Ferguson.
He just has to concentrate on doing his own thing and bringing in the very best players.
