David Moyes Pleads for Patience in Open Letter to Manchester United Fans

David Moyes has appealed to Manchester United fans through an open letter to show patience in him after a woeful first campaign at Old Trafford.

The current Premier League champions have endured a dramatic fall from grace under the Scot's tenure, who explained the difficulties he has encountered during his first season in charge were "not something he envisaged."

United's feeble attempt to defend their Premier League crown has long been written off as they sit 18 points behind league leaders Chelsea and 11 behind arch rivals Manchester City who currently sit in fourth.

The club also endured embarrassing FA Cup and Capital One Cup exits in a dismal month of January where the club won just one of their opening five matches. Faint hope of success in the Champions League was also extinguished when the club suffered a shock 2-0 defeat away to Olympiakos in the first leg of their last 16 clash.

But in his letter issued to fans, the under-pressure boss has vowed to turn things around with the backing of their support.

Moyes wrote: "While I knew that this job would be a challenge when I took it on, the difficult season we have experienced was not something that I envisaged, which I am sure is the case as well for you supporters - and my players, staff and I am desperate to compensate for that.

"You are accustomed to seeing a successful Manchester United and the backing you have given the players and I throughout the season has been incredible.

"Away from home the travelling fans have remained the best in the country, while at Old Trafford your unwavering faith has been noticeable and hugely welcomed.

"Supporting your team when they are winning is easy, but much harder when things are not going as well, and the loyalty you have shown us has been magnificent.

"Everywhere we turn people outside the club have a lot to say about Manchester United , but we have all stuck together through some tough times this season and I firmly believe that, in the long run, we will all come out at the other end, stronger for the experiences.

"Everything we need have been through will make us a better, stronger team and club in the future.

"Over the years you have seen great winning sides here and, in time, I have
absolutely no doubt that we will see great winning sides here again.

"A big step towards that will be transforming Old Trafford back into the fortress it has long been renowned as, and we will do everything in our power to get the positive performances and results to do that, so that we can give you season ticket holders and all of our supporters something to shout about."

Moyes faces a pivotal run of fixtures in March that could go some way in determining whether he will be the man entrusted to rebuild the United squad this summer.

Following Saturday's trip to West Brom – who defeated United at Old Trafford earlier in the season – United welcome Liverpool to Old Trafford. Three days later they host Olympiakos in their attempt to overturn their dismal first leg defeat before a potentially tricky visit to West Ham United the following weekend. United then host their neighbours Manchester City, who trounced their opponents 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium earlier this season.