Moyes: "I wish the club all the best for the future"

In a statement issued via the League Manager's Association (LMA), David Moyes has for the first time addressed his dismissal from Manchester United. That statement in full:

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.

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. The scale f the manager's job at Old Trafford 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.

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 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 very 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 throughout 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.

Dignified, gentlemanly stuff. You'll have noted, no doubt, that while the staff, the fans and Alex Ferguson get thanked, the only reference to the players is the note that the senior squad needs rebuilding. There's going to be a book in this. One of those ones that's gets described as "explosive".

At the same time, the chair of the LMA, Richard Bevan, has taken Manchester United to task for the "unprofessional manner" in which his dismissal was handled. It is being reported that whatever he may have suspected, the first Moyes heard of his dismissal was the news reports on Monday.