David Moyes banned Sir Alex Ferguson's favourite food at Manchester United

David Moyes upset Manchester United players by banning a meal which was one of Sir Alex Ferguson's favourites.

Ferguson personally selected his fellow Scot to replace him at the helm after announcing his retirement following a glittering 27 years in the United hotseat.

The former Everton boss was handed a lucrative six-year contract and nicknamed 'The Chosen One'.

But Moyes lasted less than a season and was dismissed in April 2014 following a 2-0 defeat inflicted by his ex employers Everton at Goodison Park.

His reign at United was just 10 months and was the shortest reign in 82 years. Moyes made just two signings - Marouane Fellaini and Juan Mata - and finished with a 53% win ratio.

He never won the players over at United and one early decision did not go down well. A report from the Daily Mail, which follows up a story from ESPN back in 2016, claims Moyes put a ban on fish fingers, chips and mushy peas.

Image: Alamy

The dish was not only a popular one amongst the squad but Ferguson was a huge fan. While he had access to all the fine dining in the world, he was known to like a fish finger and mushy peas butty.

It's claimed Moyes made the decision to prohibit the meal was because he didn't want his players to be eating "kids food" but the trust of his team was affected as a result.

When Moyes was relieved of his duties, United legend Ryan Giggs, who had been on the coaching staff, took charge of the remaining four games as the Red Devils finished seventh.

The Welshman immediately reversed the ban and put it back on the menu at the club's AON training complex at Carrington.

Moyes has since gone on to manage Real Sociedad, Sunderland and West Ham, who he will take charge of against United on Sunday.

Image: Alamy

Asked if he would ever return to United on Steven Bartlett's The Diary Of A CEO podcast, Moyes replied: “I don’t think it’d ever be in a role as manager, that’s for sure, so my time is gone."

“But I always love to be involved in football and hopefully someone somewhere along the line will want to use my experience when my time’s up with being a football manager, but Manchester United is a great experience.”

Topics: David Moyes, Manchester United, West Ham United, Sir Alex Ferguson

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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