David Moyes Makes Graceful Manchester United Exit as LMA Slam Sacking
David Moyes has delivered a telling insight into his problems at Manchester United by refusing to pay tribute to the playing squad at Old Trafford after releasing a statement upon his exit through the League Managers' Association.
Moyes was sacked on Tuesday barely 10 months into his six-year deal with the Premier League champions, whose 2-0 defeat to Everton on Easter Sunday ended hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League.
That defeat was Moyes' 15<sup>th in 51 matches as United manager since replacing Sir Alex Ferguson last summer, during a torrid spell which saw him fail in draw big names to the club in the transfer window, was subject to angry supporters protests and sparked reports regarding fall-outs with the likes of Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand.
In a statement released through the LMA, who are currently negotiating Moyes' pay-off from United, the Scot has avoided mentioning his squad and instead pays a glowing tribute to his backroom staff – many of whom followed him from Everton.
"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," Moyes said.
"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 the 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, performance 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 United from my first day. And of course thank you to the 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 manager Manchester United."
As United begin the search for successor – with Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal the current bookmakers' favourite – the club have come under criticism for seemingly leaking the impending sacking of Moyes to written press before finalising the departure.
LMA chief executive Richard Bevan added: "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.
"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.
"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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