Manchester United manager David Moyes believes his team have been handed their toughest start to a season in two decades, as he prepares for a baptism of fire as Old Trafford chief.
PA PhotosDavid Moyes won his first official game, the Community Shield at Wembley
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After their challenging opening away game at Swansea on Saturday, United face games against Chelsea Liverpool and Manchester City in quick succession, with Moyes hinting the task for his side has been made harder following their runaway title triumph last season.
“I find it hard to believe that’s the way the balls came out of the bag, that’s for sure,” he told reporters at the Premier League launch event in London. “I think it’s the hardest start Manchester United have had for 20 years and I hope it’s not because Man United won the league quite comfortably last season that the fixtures have been made much more difficult. It is certainly something I would question.
“But overall, you have to play every team twice and if we’ve got a tough start then the others have a tough game playing Manchester United as well.”
Moyes would not be drawn on the chances of Wayne Rooney playing a part in Saturday’s game at Swansea, even though he came through 67 minutes of England’s game against Scotland on Wednesday night.
“I thought Wayne played well. It was great for Wayne to get some minutes in terms of his fitness and we will assess his fitness when we get back to Manchester,” was all he would offer on Rooney’s uncertain position at the club, but he was far more forthcoming when offered the chance to assess the squad he has inherited from Sir Alex Ferguson.
“One of the strongest parts of Manchester United is the hunger the players have got,” he added. “What the manager left in place is great and more importantly, their will to win and their hunger to continue having success is great. I’m looking forward to the players showing me what they can do through the season.
“I’m privileged to be manager of Manchester United. I know the manager I am trying to follow, I know it will be tough, but it’s something I’m looking forward to. This team ended up as champions last season and the aim is to get the same result this season.”
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