David Moyes has been sacked as manager of Manchester United, it’s been confirmed.
Rumours emerged yesterday the Premier League champions were preparing to dismiss the 50-year-old, after less than a year in charge.
The Scot was handpicked by outgoing manager Sir Alex Ferguson, after he announced his retirement at the end of the 2012/13 season.
Manchester United said in a statement: “Manchester United has announced that David Moyes has left the club.
“The club would like to place on record its thanks for the hard work, honesty and integrity he brought to the role.”
Player-coach Ryan Giggs is expected to step-up to take charge of Manchester United’s next match, at home to Norwich on Saturday.
Moyes was handed a six-year deal to suceed Ferguson, after impressing on a tight budget for Liverpool club Everton.
But he has come under huge pressure as Manchester United’s season has unravelled.
They reached the quarter finals of the Champions League – losing to Bayern Munich – but have disappointed in their defence of their Premier League title.
Manchester United currently lie 7th and will this season record their lowest ever Premier League points tally.
They will also miss out on Champions League football next season, for the first time since 1995.
There have been rumours of Moyes falling out with some of Manchester United’s stars, including Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Rio Ferdinand.
In March supporters chartered a plane to fly over Manchester United’s home ground Old Trafford to show their dissatisfaction with Moyes. The aircraft trailed a banner that read: “Wrong One – Moyes Out”.
BREAKING: Manchester United announces that David Moyes has left the club. (part 1 of 2) #mufc— Manchester United (ManUtd) April 22, 2014
BREAKING: The club would like to place on record its thanks for the hard work, honesty and integrity he brought to the role. (part 2 of 2)— Manchester United (ManUtd) April 22, 2014
