David Moyes has written to Manchester United fans, expressing his disappointment at the club’s poor form this season and thanking the supporters for their continued backing.
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In a letter to season-ticket holders, Moyes admitted United’s current position “was not something that I envisaged” when he took over from Sir Alex Ferguson last summer.
Last season’s Premier League champions lie seventh in the table, 12 points behind fourth-placed Manchester City, with their rivals also boasting a game in hand.
It now appears the United’s only hope of qualifying for next season’s Champions League is to win this year’s tournament -- but the Red Devils must overcome a 2-0 first-leg deficit to reach the quarterfinals after labouring despite being handed a favourable draw against Olympiakos.
United also crashed out of the FA Cup in the third round at the hands of Swansea, and lost a penalty shootout to Sunderland in the Capital One Cup semifinals.
And Moyes says he regrets how the season has developed, writing: "While I knew that this job would be a challenge when I took it on, the difficult season we have experienced was not something that I envisaged, which I am sure is the case as well for you supporters -- and my players, staff and I are desperate to compensate for that.
Moyes added: "You are accustomed to seeing a successful Manchester United and the backing you have given the players and me throughout the season has been incredible. Away from home the travelling fans have remained the best in the country while at Old Trafford your unwavering faith has been noticeable and hugely welcomed.
“Supporting your team when they are winning is easy but much harder when things are not going as well, and the loyalty you have shown us has been magnificent."
Moyes also stated that "everything we have been through will make us a better, stronger team and club in the future. Over the years you have seen great winning sides here and, in time, I have absolutely no doubt that we will see great winning sides here again."