The banner branding David Moyes “The Chosen One” has been removed from Old Trafford after the Scot was sacked by Manchester United.
The group responsible for commissioning and hanging the banner, at Stretford End Flags, have removed it and are reportedly considering replacing it with a tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton, United’s 249-goal record scorer.
Some supporters had called for the banner to come down after March’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool while other fans, in reference to it, paid for a plane displaying a message of “Wrong One — Moyes Out” in the opening exchanges of the 4-1 win over Aston Villa.
Andrew Kilduff, co-chairman of Stretford End Flags, defended their decision to make the banner before Moyes — who was chosen by Sir Alex Ferguson as his successor — had achieved success at Old Trafford.
“It got a lot of coverage,” he told the Manchester Evening News. “But there are no regrets about it. Old Trafford is filled with symbolism so there is no hiding place for a manager.”
Stretford End Flags are yet to decide what to do with the banner, with Kilduff adding: “It’s something we’re going to think about carefully. We may offer to the National Football Museum or auction it off for charity.
The National Football Museum, which is in Manchester, said that for reasons of space it could not accept all offers.
A spoof listing of the banner on eBay generated 42 bids, with a highest of 154,000 pounds.
