One specific member of the team has experienced perplexing treatment from the West Ham United manager, David Moyes.
David Moyes has made a significant impact since his return to the London Stadium for his second spell as West Ham manager in December 2019.
Under Moyes’ guidance, the Hammers have solidified their position as a top-tier Premier League team and secured their first major trophy in over four decades. Despite these accomplishments, doubts persist about Moyes’ tactical approach to the game.
Another criticism often aimed at Moyes is his lackluster man-management skills, particularly when it comes to players on the fringes of the starting lineup.
Throughout his managerial career, Moyes has been criticized for favoring a smaller squad, which allows him to avoid the complexities of handling a large number of players. This preference was openly acknowledged by Moyes in 2020.
Recent instances involving players such as Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals, who were marginalized and eventually moved on after limited playing time, highlight Moyes’ questionable management practices.
Following a crucial late equalizer by Danny Ings against Burnley, it has become evident that the striker has struggled to adapt to Moyes’ tactical system since joining West Ham from Aston Villa.
Despite scoring only four goals in 46 appearances for the Hammers, Ings’ difficulties extend beyond his on-field performance. His style of play does not align well with Moyes’ lone striker system, which demands relentless pressing and channel-running—a role in which Ings appears out of place.
Ings, known for excelling in a partnership up front, has not been afforded this opportunity under Moyes at West Ham.
Although Ings showcased his quality with the late goal against Burnley, Moyes’ assertion of granting him more game time may ring hollow, considering recent decisions like substituting Michail Antonio in a game against Freiburg, despite a commanding lead.
However, instead of bringing on Ings to showcase his skills with a well-deserved 15-minute run, the manager surprisingly opted for right-back Ben Johnson. The decisions seemed baffling, and that was just the beginning.
In the recent game, Moyes substituted Antonio after 66 minutes, but surprisingly turned to Johnson yet again instead of Ings. This move tilted the game in Villa’s favor and appeared to be a poor decision.
While Ings may not have been a direct replacement for the outgoing player, Moyes could have utilized him further up the field as a number 10 behind other attacking players.
Reflecting on Ings’ limited playtime, one cannot overlook his standout performance earlier in the season. Despite his talents, Moyes has only granted him a mere 35 minutes since then, which is indeed disappointing.
As one of the highest earners at the club, Ings seems content with his substantial paycheck, but one can’t help but wonder if he is dissatisfied with the lack of opportunities under Moyes. The manager’s neglect of Ings despite his previous standout performances hints at a larger issue within the team.
The unreasonable treatment Ings has endured under Moyes suggests that a move away from the London Stadium in the upcoming transfer window might be in his best interest. It appears that his signing was a mistake, and continuing with the current situation could hinder his career progression.
