David Moyes sacked: Manchester United deny sacking of Moyes was handled in an 'unprofessional manner'
United have been criticised for their ruthless dismissal of Moyes after he was sacked on Tuesday with the LMA hitting out at the club for the nature of how the news was broken
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Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United have hit back at claims they handled David Moyes' dismissal in an “unprofessional” manner.
Moyes, sacked on Tuesday just 10 months into a six-year contract, was happy to concede results were not up to scratch when he spoke about his dismissal for the first time on Wednesday.
It is reported that the former Everton manager was far from happy about the way rumours surrounding his imminent departure started spreading before he was sacked.
Reports started emerging on Monday afternoon that Moyes was set to be axed - some 16 hours before he was informed at a meeting with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward on Tuesday morning that his contract was being terminated.
League Managers Association (LMA) chief executive Richard Bevan accused United of failing to handle Moyes' sacking correctly.
He 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.
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"It is therefore sad to see the end of David's tenure at United being handled in an unprofessional manner."
United quickly dismissed the allegation. A club spokesman told Press Association Sport: "We do not accept that it was handled in an unprofessional manner.
"The decision was not taken until late Monday night and was communicated face-to-face first thing on Tuesday morning.
"When reports started emerging on internet news sites on Monday afternoon, no decision had been taken at that time."
Moyes thanked his predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson, his coaching staff, the fans and workers at the club's training ground and Old Trafford in his statement. However, there was no thank you to the players.
The Scot said: "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."
Ryan Giggs took his second training session as interim manager on Wednesday. Paul Scholes assisted the Welshman in the training session, along with fellow 'Class of '92' members Nicky Butt and Phil Neville. Giggs is expected to hold his first press conference as manager on Friday.
The search for a permanent successor to Moyes is under way, with Louis van Gaal and Carlo Ancelotti currently among the bookmakers' favourites.
PA
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