• Premier League

Moyes expects mixed reception from Everton fans

ESPN staff
December 3, 2013
David Moyes feels his pursuit of Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines may have soured his relationship with Everton's fans © PA Photos
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David Moyes has admitted he expects to receive a "mixed" reception from Everton fans when he faces his former club for the first time.

Moyes left Goodison Park to manage Manchester United in the summer and the Merseysiders visit Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Though he received a standing ovation as he did a lap of honour after his final home game as Everton manager, against West Ham in May, Moyes believes his relationship with some of the club's supporters could have been soured since then.

United spent the summer chasing Marouane Fellaini, who eventually joined on transfer deadline day for £27.5 million, and Leighton Baines, who remains at Goodison Park.

And although Moyes feels Everton should be grateful for the players he signed during his 11 years at the club, he believes some may hold it against him.

"It could be mixed," he said, when asked about the reception he will receive. "They know their football and understand exactly where their club has gone.

"More importantly, they understand the players who are in their team. I brought the majority in and they will understand there are a lot of good players. But it is football and you never know."

Moyes defended his conduct in May, when it was confirmed he was leaving Goodison Park to replace the retiring Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.

He said: "My contract was running out and I only found out about the Manchester United job four weeks before the end of the season

"If you said how you would leave a club, I don't know if I could have done it any better. I don't know if anybody could. At the first right opportunity I tried to speak to [chairman] Bill Kenwright and that is how we handled it."

Moyes also tipped his cap to his successor Roberto Martinez, who has taken Everton to fifth place, three spots above United in the table, but hinted that his task was easier because he had laid the groundwork.

He added: "He has very good players there. I always told them they could play without a manager because they are very well organised. But Roberto is doing a really good job keeping it going."

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