Moyes Warns Tough Times May be Ahead for United

• Guardian, Wednesday, September 25, 2013 3:30 PM

David Moyes admitted that Manchester United might have to “take a few more blows” in his first season as head coach, warning of more difficult times ahead as he attempts to follow Alex Ferguson’s footsteps. During a press conference ahead of United's League Cup clash with Liverpool on Wednesday, Moyes suggested that he inherited a squad with deficiencies.

"I think a lot of people thought Manchester United [winning the title] last season, that it was probably the form of the other teams that was poor," the former Everton coach said. "I think it's important that I took the punches. I've taken the punches and I'm happy to do that. Not for a minute did I think this Manchester United job was going to be an easy job ... we are in a period where there will be transition, there's a new manager for the players and, in turn, there will be new players.”

Moyes, who earlier in the week said he was “shocked” by the 4-1 thrashing his team received against Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday, added: "It does mean I may have to take a few more blows, definitely. Maybe even more than that. Maybe all season I have to take a few blows but I knew this was going to be the case because I was taking over from a great manager and it was always going to take time for me to get my own ways and change things round a little bit."

Read the whole story at Guardian »