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Moyes thanks United, but makes no mention of players

LONDON — Former Manchester United manager David Moyes (picture) has spoken warmly of his time at the club but, perhaps rather pointedly, not of the players.

David Moyes. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

David Moyes. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

LONDON — Former Manchester United manager David Moyes (picture) has spoken warmly of his time at the club but, perhaps rather pointedly, not of the players.

In a statement issued through the League Manager’s Association (LMA) yesterday, the 50-year-old Scot spoke of his pride at being chosen last July and acknowledged fans had a right to feel frustrated by results since then.

He also thanked his predecessor Alex Ferguson for having given him the opportunity to lead the Premier League club and spoke warmly of the club’s staff and insisted he would always be “incredibly proud” to have managed United, but made no mention of the squad.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

He added: “We were fully focused and committed to the process of the fundamental rebuilding that is required for the senior squad,” said Moyes in his statement. “This had to be achieved whilst delivering positive results (in the Premier League and 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.”

Moyes was sacked on Tuesday after only 10 months with United, currently seventh-place in the league and out of the running for a Champions League slot next season. His assistants Steve Round and Jimmy Lumsden were also released.

But former United player Phil Neville and goalkeeping coach Chris Woods were retained and will join Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and interim manager Ryan Giggs — the trio were part of the famed “Class of 1992” — on the coaching team.

Moyes was informed of his dismissal on Tuesday after details had been leaked to the media and LMA chief executive Richard Bevan said United had handled the dismissal in an “unprofessional manner”.

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