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Moyes: United fans still behind me

David Moyes accepts Manchester United fans are entitled to fly a plane over Old Trafford calling for his sacking.

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But the Scot insists that he still has the backing of the majority of supporters and said this season’s disappointments make him more determined to succeed.

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caption: Moyes says that he is determined to become a success in the Old Trafford dugout and urges fans to be patient
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Defending champions United are a lowly seventh in the table, 18 points behind leaders Chelsea, and suffered their 10th league defeat of the season against Manchester City on Tuesday.

It prompted some supporters on the Red Issue message boards to club together and raise 840 pounds to hire a plane, which is set to fly over Old Trafford in the opening minutes of Saturday’s game against Aston Villa and which is expected to have a banner reading “Wrong One: Moyes Out.”

And manager Moyes said: “I heard about that. People are entitled to do that.”

Fans inside the ground are yet to turn on the 50-year-old, while a flag about Moyes reading “The Chosen One” is set to remain in place at the Stretford End, despite some fans' calls for it to be removed.

But he is convinced most remain behind him, saying: “I was at a dinner last night [Thursday] for Darren Fletcher and there were Manchester United supporters who came up to me and said 'come on, keep going, we understand exactly the situation the club is in and team is in'.

"They were really supportive and every time I have been to Old Trafford they have been great. I am seeing a lot different from what a lot of people are saying.”

And while there have been reports of unrest in the United camp, Moyes also believes his players are still behind him, saying: “"Definitely. I have no reason to suggest anything else. We work together and have a great relationship."

And Moyes said setbacks, culminating in Tuesday’s 3-0 derby loss to City, only increase his ambition to bring about a revival in United’s fortunes.

And he is adamant he can do that, saying: "You work hard to get here in the first place but I’ve got to say I’m more driven to succeed than ever because I want the team to turn around and I want to change the position we’re in just now.

"I really do believe we can do that. We’ve got a great club, which gives you the chance to do that because of the people we can attract and the players we can attract to the club.

"But it’s just going to take a little bit of time to get it sorted. Anyone who has an understanding of the game knows there's a rebuilding plan here. The people in charge here are top people."

Moyes insisted that his players are also feeling the pain of a difficult year.

He added: “The players know exactly what it is to play for Manchester United and the standards they have to set.

"But they’re hurting as well as me and are desperate to put it right. And hopefully when we get to the game against Villa, they can show that.”