• Premier League

Moyes rues the end of an era at United

David Moyes was sacked as Manchester United manager in April © Getty Images

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David Moyes believes his sacking at Manchester United ended the era of "long-term planning" at Old Trafford and said he has already received offers to return to management.

The Scot was dismissed in April, before the end of the first season of his six-year contract, and said he is now contemplating whether to take a sabbatical, manage abroad or accept another post in the Premier League.

Moyes' predecessor, Sir Alex Ferguson, took over in 1986 and did not win his first trophy until 1990 and, while the former Everton manager only took champions United to seventh place, he believes he would have prospered at Old Trafford if the club had kept faith with him.

The 51-year-old had not commented about his departure, apart from releasing a statement via the League Managers Association, but broke his silence in a column for the Sunday Times.

He wrote: "I never had the chance to thank the Manchester United supporters for the backing they gave me during my time as manager. I wish them every success in the future.

"They now appreciate, I am sure, that things are changing at their club and it could well be that gone are the days of long-term planning. They were fully aware of the task I had. It was unfortunate I wasn't given more time to succeed."

Moyes' replacement, Louis van Gaal, has been appointed on a three-year deal, whereas Moyes was given a six-year contract when he ended his time at Everton to take over from Ferguson. Van Gaal at the time of being appointed said his wife, Truus, wanted him to retire instead of coming to England.

Moyes is yet to decide where his future lies but said that, despite his troubled time at Old Trafford, he has been approached by other clubs.

"Since leaving, I have received some very good offers and am tempted by one or two of them," he added. "I have not closed the door on anything and am open-minded about my next step in management, and whether it will be in the UK or abroad.

"Another possibility is that I may choose to have a break and enjoy watching and observing football throughout the world. What I do know for sure is that I have moved on."

Moyes was given the United job on Ferguson's recommendation and, while the older man was consulted about his sacking, he felt his fellow Scot remained loyal.

"I have spoken to Sir Alex Ferguson on several occasions and we met recently at a dinner in London. I believe I had nothing but support from him," Moyes said.

"He advised me of some changes that had to be made. I took his advice and started to implement the necessary changes. I became aware of other changes that had to be made and put plans in place."

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