The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
It’s plane to see — United fans are divided on Moyes
DA VID MOYES insists he retains the support of the majority of Manchester United fans.
A group of supporters have clubbed together to pay for a light aircraft to fly over Old Trafford today, trailed by a banner that reads “Wrong One — Moyes Out”.
The United boss said fans were “entitled” to organise such a protest after recent results but the Scot insists he is supported by most fans, the club’s board and the playing staff.
“Everywhere I go I get great support from Manchester United supporters,” Moyes said.
“I am seeing a lot different from what a lot of people are saying but I understand that results matter.”
When asked about the fly-by, Moyes said: “I have heard of it and what they are saying about it, but this is something which is a long journey here, this is only the start of the journey.
“People can do that. They are entitled to do that.”
Moyes, whose team lie seventh in the Barclays Premier League, insists the protest against him has only strengthened his resolve to turn United’s fortunes around.
“I am more driven to succeed more than ever. I want to change this position we are in now and I believe we can do that,” he said.
“I am hurting and the players are hurting but we are working hard.”
Reports of unrest among the playing staff emerged following Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City.
When asked if he retained the support of the players, Moyes said: “Definitely. I have no reason to suggest anything else.
“We work together and have a great relationship.”
A potentially crucial week lies ahead for Moyes. If results go against them when they take on A ston Villa today, United could be 15 points adrift of fourth place.
The Red Devils then take on Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie on Tuesday night.
Moyes hopes his team can rebuild some of their confidence this weekend.
“We go into theVilla game knowing that we want to go into the Munich game in good fettle,” he said.
“A nd we’re looking forward to it because we played really well at West Ham and, if we can follow up with a similar performance, I’ll be more than happy.”
Villa, who sit 12th, look easy opponents for United on paper but Moyes praised his fellow Scot Paul Lambert, who has “done a good job in bringing in lots of young players, sticking with them and trusting them”.