David Moyes sacked: 'The Chosen One' banner removed from Old Trafford after Moyes sacked earlier this week
Controversial banner installed after the arrival of Moyes last summer is taken down
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Your support makes all the difference.The Chosen One has gone, and now too, has his supportive banner.
Following Manchester United’s decision to sack manager David Moyes on Tuesday, the famed ‘Chosen One’ banner that has caused much controversy since Moyes was appointed to the job has been removed from Old Trafford.
Having been on display for the entire season in the Streford Road end, fans had targeted the banner in their protests against Moyes, with the recent flyover above Old Trafford reading ‘Wrong One – Moyes Out’ during the early exchanges of the 4-1 win over Aston Villa last month.
Those fans that shelled out £840 for the banner have now got their wish, given that the former Everton manager has dispensed with earlier this week and replaced with veteran midfielder Ryan Giggs on an interim basis. But what will happen to ‘The Chosen One’ banner?
It originally appeared on auction site Ebay, but The Stretford End Flags group – who paid for the banner – have confirmed that the listing is a spoof of the 20ft flag and despite 142 bids taking the current price to £154,100, the banner is not for sale just yet.
Co-founder of the group Andrew Kilduff has confirmed that the banner will either be offered to a museum or sold to raise funds for charity, and will be replaced by a new flag that pays homage to club legend and director Sir Bobby Charlton.
“It’s something we’re going to think about carefully. We may offer to the National Football Museum or auction it off for charity,” said Kilduff.
“It got a lot of coverage. But there are no regrets about it. Old Trafford is filled with symbolism so there is no hiding place for a manager.”
But a spokesman for the National Football Museum hinted that they would not be able to take the banner, which paraded above Moyes for the 10 months he was in charge after being selected to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson last summer.
“While we are always grateful for offers, we often have to decline for reasons of space and because it doesn’t fit within our guidelines,” said the Spokesman.
The banner is not the only thing to appear on Ebay since Moyes’ departure, as the ‘David Moyes is a football genius’ flag that was displayed by Liverpool fans in their recent win over United is also on sale for £500.
A bit too pricey? Other Moyes collectables include a signed 80th birthday card that is currently available for 99p. Bargain.
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