• Premier League

'Chosen One' banner set for Old Trafford stay

Stewards were forced to guard the 'Chosen One' banner at Old Trafford after Manchester United's 3-0 derby defeat © Getty Images

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The 'Chosen One' banner showing Manchester United fans' backing of David Moyes as successor to Sir Alex Ferguson is set to stay at Old Trafford, according to the supporters' group which put it there.

Stewards were forced to protect the banner from disgruntled fans after last night's 3-0 derby humiliation at the hands of Manchester City, which left United 12 points behind fourth-placed Arsenal and 18 points off Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Ferguson, who was a key driving force in the selection of Moyes as United's new manager when he retired after 27 years at the helm, came in for verbal abuse from several irate supporters near the directors' box at Old Trafford on Tuesday, with United suffering their sixth league defeat in 15 home matches this season under Moyes.

However, the banner is expected to remain in place when United face Aston Villa on Saturday after Stretford End Flags (SEF), which has funded a series of banners that each cost around £400, took to Twitter to defend the continued presence of the 'Chosen One' banner.

Simple question - what will taking the Chosen One banner down achieve? If you want the manager out then why aren't you protesting at OT?

— Stretford End Flags (@SEF_MUFC) March 26, 2014

Over the past week every main form of UK media has asked about the Chosen One banner. All media view its removal as saying Moyes Out.

— Stretford End Flags (@SEF_MUFC) March 26, 2014

To date no visible or vocal form of protest from match going fans has given that indication against the manager. #mufc

— Stretford End Flags (@SEF_MUFC) March 26, 2014

@Comrade58 not one fan has attempted to remove it.

— Stretford End Flags (@SEF_MUFC) March 26, 2014

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