We can hope. But I just don't see anything much to hang that hope on right now.
Those Moyes teams had an established identity and core of players designed to assert it with a history of doing just that. And they thrived on challenges.
This team...what the hell is it? As has been pointed out, it does nothing very well in any part of the pitch. So it's hard to see a foundation and strength to build on.
New manager is going to have to first establish an identity to the team and the players he can rely on. I suspect he'll also need to ship off a number of players not suited by skillset or attitude to help bring that off. That's a lot of fundamental tasks this far into the season. He'll need to be good.
This is exactly why we need someone made of iron, who can build the squad up with positive vision (but not bullshit) and get everyone believing and pulling together again. And be strong enough to cut out the deadwood who don't want to be team players, whoever they might be.
NOT a fucking Fat Sam, serving his own crooked ambition. My God, the message that would send to the dressing room, let alone supporters.