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Moyes Breaks Cover On Manchester United Exit

David Moyes has spoken out on his sacking by Manchester United, saying he is "proud" to have managed the club but frustrated about the team's results.

While he expressed gratitude to Sir Alex Ferguson and the club's fans and coaching staff, a reference to United's players was conspicuous by its absence.

"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," said a written statement .

"I remain proud to have led the team to the quarter finals of this year's Champions League."

But the League Managers Association, which issued the statement on his behalf, said it was "very disappointed" and "sad" about the way Moyes was axed.

The Scot was sacked on Tuesday after a series of defeats left the team with no hope of qualifying for the Champions League next season, and languishing in seventh place in the Premier League.

"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," says Moyes.

The 50-year-old admits the job was "immense" and a "significant challenge" but that he "never had a second thought about taking (it) on".

His failure to say thank you to the players comes after a series of rumours during the season of disquiet among some of the club's top talent over his tactics and training methods.

The League Managers Association made no bones about its views on the sacking.

Chief Executive Richard Bevan 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.

"(Moyes) has conducted himself with integrity and professionalism ... It is therefore sad to see the end of David's tenure at United being handled in an unprofessional manner."

Moyes was hand-picked by outgoing boss Sir Alex Ferguson after 11 years at Everton, where he guided the team to five top-six finishes.

But the burden of expectation seems to have weighed heavy and the team have lost 11 league games this season - including six losses at home and lacklustre defeats to bitter rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.

Moyes signed a six-year contract but is now set for a pay-off of around £4m - a year's salary - after less than a year in charge.

United legend Ryan Giggs has taken the reins until for the last few games of the season but Louis van Gaal, manager of the Dutch national side, is the bookies' favourite to land the full-time job.

Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti is also tipped as one of the leading contenders.

Manchester United's American owners, the Glazer family, are thought to be ready to bankroll a summer spending spree of £150m or more as the club pushes for a swift return to the top of the game.