Fans right to be frustrated: Moyes

Sacked manager thanks Alex Ferguson and feels the fans are right to be disappointed with team’s show.

David Moyes' reign at Old Trafford last just 10 months [AP]

Sacked Manchester United manager David Moyes thanked his predecessor Alex Ferguson while also acknowledging that the fans had a right to feel frustrated by results.

Moyes was sacked on Tuesday after only 10 months with United currently seventh in the league and out of the running for a Champions League slot next season.

The scale of the manager's job at United is immense, but I have never stepped away from hard work

by David Moyes, Former Manchester United manager

In a statement issued through the League Manager’s Association (LMA), the Scot spoke of his pride at being chosen last July and spoke warmly of the United staff but, perhaps pointedly, not the players.

Newspapers reported on Wednesday that Ferguson, who last year urged fans to get behind the new man, had supported the decision to sack Moyes and would play a role in the appointment of the next manager.

Moyes said he was and would always be ‘incredibly proud’ to have been appointed manager of United.

“Taking charge after such a long period of continuous stability and success at the club was inevitably going to be a significant challenge, but it was one which I relished and never had a second thought about taking on,” Moyes said in a statement.

“The scale of the manager’s job at United is immense, but I have never stepped away from hard work and the same applies to my coaching staff. I thank them for their dedication and loyalty throughout the last season.”

United have an urgent need to revamp their ageing squad and are expected to ship out several high-profile players once the season is over.

Moyes’ full statement:

“To have been appointed as manager of Manchester United, one of the biggest football clubs in the world, was and remains something of which I will always be incredibly proud.

Taking charge after such a long period of continuous stability and success at the club was inevitably going to be a significant challenge, but it was one which I relished and never had a second thought about taking on.

The scale of the manager’s job at United is immense, but I have never stepped away from hard work and the same applies to my coaching staff. I thank them for their dedication and loyalty throughout the last season.

We were fully focused and committed to the process of the fundamental rebuilding that is required for the senior squad. This had to be achieved whilst delivering positive results in the Barclays Premier League and the Champions League. However, during this period of transition, performances and results have not been what Manchester United and its fans are used to or expect, and I both understand and share their frustration.

In my short time at the club I have learnt what special places Old Trafford and Carrington are. I would like to thank the United staff for making me feel so welcome and part of the United family from my first day.

And of course thank you to those fans who have supported me throughout the season. I wish you and the club all the best for the future. I have always believed that a manager never stops learning during his career and I know I will take invaluable experience from my time as United’s manager. I remain proud to have led the team to the quarter-finals of this
year’s Champions League and I remain grateful to Sir Alex Ferguson for believing in my ability and giving me the chance to manage Manchester United.”

Source: Al Jazeera, News Agencies