LONDON: The League Managers’ Association has criticised Manchester United for acting “in an unprofessional manner” over the dismissal of manager David Moyes yesterday.

Moyes, in a formal statement after leaving Old Trafford, was polite about the club who appointed him amid enormous fanfare less than a year go.

However, a sense of his inner thoughts may have been reflected in a statement from the LMA which has been acting on his behalf over severance terms from his six-year contract.

The association said: “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.”

United have indicated that the decision was not taken until late on Monday evening in talks between eecutive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and the owning Glazer family in Florida. Woodward phoned Moyes on Monday afternoon to arrange a meeting which ultimately took place early on Tuesday.

The club said: “We do not accept that [this] was handled in an unprofessional manner.”

Manager’s pride

Moyes, wishing United well for the future, said: “To have been appointed as manager of Manchester United was and remains something of which I will always be incredibly proud. I remain grateful to Sir Alex for believing in my ability and giving me the chance to manage Manchester United.”

Moyes said following Ferguson, who retired in the summer of 2013  after winning 38 trophies in a 26-year reign, was always going to be a “significant challenge”.

He added: “The scale of the manager’s job at United is immense but I have never stepped away from hard work. The same applies to my coaching staff. I thank them for their dedication and loyalty throughout the last season.”

Moyes conceded that results and performances had not been “what Manchester United and its fans are used to or expect”, adding: “I both understand and share their frustration.”

But he added: “I have always believed that a manager never stops learning and I know I will take invaluable experience from my time as United’s manager.”

Ryan Giggs, 40, has taken temporary charge of team affairs to the end of the season. Early speculation over a successor has focused on Holland’s Louis Van Gaal, Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti and Borussia Dortmund’s Jurgen Klopp, despite the latter’s denials.

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