Rumours circulated on social media earlier today that legendary defensive midfielder, Remi Moses, had passed away. Moses lives in Zakynthos and reports in the Greek media this morning claimed that his wife had confirmed to the club he had moved there to manage, Doxa Pigadakion, that he had died.
As an outpouring of commemorative messages filled social media it was later rumoured that no such thing had happened, with people reaching out to his family members.
The club this afternoon have confirmed that all is well.
Remi’s family have confirmed to us that the rumours of his passing are entirely false. They are baffled about their origins, and report him to be healthy and in good spirits.
Moses was born in Miles Platting and grew up supporting the club. In September 1981 he moved from West Bromwich Albion to United for £500,000 just a few weeks before club legend Bryan Robson arrived.
A month later he scored his first goal for the club, becoming the first black player ever to score for the United.
From early on, his strength was in his engine and his willingness to fight, to break up play and give the team a backbone. Despite being only 5′ 6″, he played with the heart of a warrior and was just the kind of bloke you’d want leading the midfield fight at Old Trafford. At a time where we struggled for success in the league, he played a key role in the lead up to our FA Cup finals, although missed the one in 83 due to suspension and 85 due to a knee injury.
The 1983 cup win qualified us for the European Cup Winners’ Cup. In the quarter-final against a formidable Barcelona side, with the likes of Diego Maradona, Moses stood firm. He starved the Spanish team of time on the ball, and chased down a loose ball that led to our second United goal, as we progressed to the semi-final.
Moses retired from the sport in 1988 after a string of injuries. He might not be the first name that springs to mind for most when people talk about Manchester United legends. He didn’t win the league like so many players after him did. But what he was a rock who helped steady the ship through a turbulent time for the club, which is why he is remembered so fondly by people who supported United then. And why there are so many people today relieved to hear that Remi is alive and well.
