HE is still there.
David Moyes remains the manager of Manchester United despite fervent speculation to the contrary yesterday.
Swirling rumours of an imminent announcement on the New York Stock Exchange spread throughout the morning on social media, with the suggestion that it would state Moyes was to leave the club following Tuesday night's 2-0 defeat to Olympiacos in the Champions League.
The Scot was given another headache as reports later last night suggested £24m striker Robin van Persie would consider his future in the summer, with the Dutchman unsure whether he wants to stay at Old Trafford under Moyes.
The odds on the Scot being the next Barclays Premier League manager to leave his post shortened dramatically, but United have always made it clear that Moyes will be given time to prove that he is the right man to maintain the success delivered by predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson.
But what was also obvious on Tuesday night is that the former Everton manager needs to make major changes to his squad if he is to have a more successful second season.
United were second best throughout the first leg of their last-16 tie in Athens, their defence easily pierced, and they offered little in attack as goals from Alejandro Dominguez and Joel Campbell put the Greeks on the brink of the last eight.
Van Persie, speaking to Dutch broadcaster NOS after the match, spoke of his frustration.
"Our fellow players are sometimes occupying the spaces I want to play in," he said. "And when I see that it makes it difficult for me to come to those places as well. So that forces me to adjust my runs. Unfortunately, they're often playing in my zones. I think that's a shame."
But he added: "I am not going to point the finger at anybody. We need to try and turn it around and we need to take our chances."
Tuesday proved to be a dream night for Costa Rican forward Campbell.
The 21-year-old joined Arsenal in 2011 but he has spent the last three years on loan. He played down the idea that his goal meant more because he is on Arsenal's books.
"It was a very important goal for me and for Olympiacos," he said. "I'm not thinking about Arsenal. Only Olympiacos."
Campbell insists the Greek team do not consider the tie won, given they must defend their lead at Old Trafford. "It's good for us but we have a very difficult game to come," he said. "We have to fight to get through."
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