SUNDERLAND -- Sunderland manager David Moyes said that he has "always had a really good reception" at Old Trafford as he prepares to return on Boxing Day, but admitted that his wife will not be attending.
Moyes, who was in charge at Old Trafford for 10 months during 2013-4, said that it was classy of United to invite his wife to the upcoming game on Boxing Day, when Jose Mourinho's men host Sunderland.
Moyes said: "I've always had a really good reception at Old Trafford. Even before I went there as manager, I think Manchester United supporters recognised people who were doing well. They are knowledgeable.
"I never felt at any time I had big criticism inside the stadium. I think most people in there were fully aware of the situation.
"I think Man United were a club that stood up for so many good things in football. Some of the things they do there are known worldwide and, until you're in the job, you won't realise what Man United stand for worldwide.
"There was a classy moment this week, which I think reflects Manchester United more than anything. My wife got a call from Norma Charlton, Bobby Charlton's wife, to ask her to go to the game. That was the way of Manchester United. That was the sort of thing - - the class, that was shown by Sir Bobby Charlton's wife.
"She [Moyes's wife] is not going -- it was difficult and she's also got a lot of family down -- but if you talk about class that has come from her [Norma Charlton], it was very much appreciated, I have to tell you."
Discussing the abrupt way in which his time at United ended, Moyes said: "I feel like I had my chance to do it and I had to do it in my time. But I believed I had longer -- I didn't believe I had to do it in nine months, or even 12 months. I was given plenty of reassurances.
"But I think that whoever took over from Sir Alex would have found it incredibly difficult. There were top players coming near the end of their career who had to be moved on, and that's not easy.
"There have been two very successful managers go in there and you can see how tough they are finding the job as well."
Speaking about the issue of the lack of job security for managers despite contracts, he added that they might soon be given shorter deals because of the nature of modern football. The Scot also understands why United manager Jose Mourinho has not been living with his family.
Moyes said: "I think with managers, there's a case for saying we're always in transition all of the time. Do you move your families, do you move your kids to a new school, and all that?
"I think as a football manager that was always the way, but it's all changed. And because of the length of the time managers get in the job they don't feel so secure.
"That's not the reason Jose is in a hotel -- it's just the job of a manager means uprooting your kids and families all of the time is not always done.
"I'm part of the board of the LMA and I think managers now have to be on shorter contracts. It's another subject which is nothing to do with Ellis [Short] or Man United. I just think the case of managers having four or six-year contracts in years to come might go down. And it might be the case that they start having rolling contracts or season to season."