David Moyes sacked: Moyes breaks his silence over Manchester United sacking

Moyes released a statement in which he acknowledged the 'significant challenge' managing United posed but said he will remain 'incredibly proud' to have been given the job

Jack de Menezes,Simon Rice
Thursday 24 April 2014 07:46 BST
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David Moyes has broken his silence following his dismissal by Manchester United.

The Scot was fired on Tuesday morning after less than 10 months in charge at Old Trafford. It brought an end to a sorry spell at the helm in which he was cast as out of his depth.

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The reigning Premier League champions have already failed to qualify for next season's Champions League and experienced disappointment in all the cup competitions.

The statement from Moyes was complimentary of the club, but while the 'staff' and fans were thanked, there was no specific mention of the players.

The task of replacing Ferguson, the most successful British manager in history, was always going to be a tough task - something Moyes touched on in the statement released through the League Managers Association.

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

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Despite the undignified manner of his departure, Moyes stated he remains “incredibly proud” and understood the scale of succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson from day one.

“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.

“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."

The statement continued: “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.”

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The LMA’s chief executive Richard Bevan admitted that they were disappointed with the manner of Moyes’ dismissal, including the leaked information on Monday afternoon that the former Everton manager would be sacked imminently before he had even been informed himself.

"The LMA is very disappointed with the nature of David's departure from Manchester United and to read extensive reports in the press, confirming David's sacking, before David himself had been spoken to officially by the club,” Bevan said in the statement.

“Throughout his time at United, David, as he always does, has conducted himself with integrity and professionalism, values that he believes in and that have been strongly associated with the club and its rich tradition. It is therefore sad to see the end of David's tenure at United being handled in an unprofessional manner."

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The statement continued: “David is one of the most talented, knowledgeable and dedicated managers in British Football. He has a wealth of experience accumulated in a management career that started when he was 35 and already spans 16 years, with over 800 games in the professional game. David is a three-time winner of the LMA Manager of the Year Award, and without a doubt, he has a significant future in front of him in football management. He is passionate about the game and I know he possesses the drive and resilience to learn from this chapter of his career and move on to a new challenge in the game.”

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