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Man Utd: David Moyes criticises Premier League fixture list

Last updated on .From the section Man Utdcomments2520

Moyes looks ahead to 'tough start'

Manchester United manager David Moyes says he finds his club's start to the new season "hard to believe".

Among their first five Premier League games, the champions host Chelsea and Manchester City and Liverpool away.

Moyes said: "I find it hard to believe that's the way the balls came out of the bag, that's for sure."

The Premier League responded by saying: "We have absolutely assured him the process is random and above board. He has accepted those assurances."

A league spokesman also confirmed that Moyes had put his concerns to them directly.

However earlier on Thursday the Scotsman said: "I think it's the hardest start for 20 years that Manchester United have had.

"I hope it's not because Manchester United won the league quite comfortably last year [that] the fixtures have been made much more difficult."

Moyes officially took over from Sir Alex Ferguson, who retired after 26 trophy-laden years in charge, on 1 July. The former Everton boss saw his new side win the Charity Shield with a 2-0 victory against Wigan last week. They start their Premier League campaign away at Swansea, before facing Chelsea, Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Manchester City.

Manchester City, who finished second last season, play two promoted clubs, Hull and Cardiff.

Chelsea, meanwhile, will face two teams who finished in the bottom half last season as well as Hull, Everton and Man Utd.

Four of Arsenal's opening five opponents finished in the bottom half last season, although they do have the derby against Tottenham. Spurs also face two promoted teams as well as Swansea and Norwich.

Meanwhile, Moyes refused to be drawn on whether Wayne Rooney, who has been the subject of two bids from Chelsea, would feature in Saturday's season-opener at Swansea.

The striker, 27, missed Sunday's Community Shield win over Wigan with a shoulder injury but was fit enough to start England's international friendly victory over Scotland on Wednesday before being replaced by match-winner Rickie Lambert.

"It was great for Wayne to get fitness and he played for 65 minutes or so, so overall I was really pleased with the outcome," said Moyes, who was at the game to watch Rooney and his club-mates Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley.

"Hopefully when I get back to Old Trafford I will be able to tell you how he is and how his fitness is so. Until I assess that I can't say any more."

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2520 comments

  • Comment posted by Areyouserious, at 10:28 15 Aug 2013

    If he studies the fixture list carefully he will realise he has to play all the other teams twice, once at home and once away, and further investigation will reveal that the same thing applies to the other clubs. If he wants the fixtures to be easier, he could try to get his team relegated.

  • Comment posted by madmarvel, at 10:31 15 Aug 2013

    and it begins, never heard him moan once when he was at everton, there must be a moaning training academy at man utd, unless he's already feeling the pressure!

  • Comment posted by Parish87, at 10:23 15 Aug 2013

    What does he expect? The guy who used to make the fixture list is no longer at his previous position.

  • Comment posted by Maddie, at 11:00 15 Aug 2013

    It appears from Moyes' words he is actually accusing the Premier League of cheating, when he is quoted as saying: "I find it hard to believe that's the way the balls came out of the bag..." That's a serious allegation and should be investigated.

  • Comment posted by U15725605, at 10:22 15 Aug 2013

    He is accusing the FA of fixing the matches.
    Where's his penalty/charge for this?

  • Comment posted by U13794506, at 10:43 15 Aug 2013

    The chairman of the FA is an ex Man Utd director
    The vice chairman is a current Man Utd director
    The English UEFA rep is a current Man Utd director
    The chairman of the Premier League is a lifelong Man Utd fan

    if any favours are being handed out I will taker a wild guess where they end up

  • Comment posted by David, at 10:25 15 Aug 2013

    I'm a Man Utd fan and - boo hoo Moyes, get a grip. It's the luck of the draw. Take the opportunity to go out and beat the competition and show us you're capable, you've not managed a league game yet and you're whining. Grow up.

  • Comment posted by U15647183, at 10:28 15 Aug 2013

    Definately a perfect successor to Ferguson, especially in the moaning department!

  • Comment posted by beds77, at 11:47 15 Aug 2013

    The Moaning Scot is Dead...............Long live the Moaning Scot!

  • Comment posted by U14428382, at 10:28 15 Aug 2013

    "I hope it's not because Manchester United won the league quite comfortably last year [that] the fixtures have been made much more difficult."

    Er...fixtures cant be make more difficult, everyone plays the same teams.

  • Comment posted by U14945203, at 10:38 15 Aug 2013

    My team Villa has the hardest start, Arsenal (A), Chelsea (A) and Liverpool (H) all in the space of 7 days because of the super cup final.
    But we're not moaning to the FA, typical arrogant Man Utd whinging, thinking their above everyone else. No wonder Fergie chose Moyes to appease the glory hunters.

  • Comment posted by U14559363, at 10:22 15 Aug 2013

    Fergie has taught him well.

  • Comment posted by U1747090, at 11:24 15 Aug 2013

    I can just imagine this:

    Reporter: Jose! Jose! Any comment on Davids allegation that the balls were fixed?

    Mourinho: I am the happy one, it is not for me to comment if David has a problem with his balls. My balls are special.

    Newspaper Headline: "Special Balls" says Moyes is Eunuch.

  • Comment posted by Craig, at 13:40 15 Aug 2013

    "We have absolutely assured him the process is random and above board. He has accepted those assurances."

    Great! now we can move on to more important concerns like locating his pram and finding his toys.

  • Comment posted by Ryan, at 11:24 15 Aug 2013

    Swings and roundabouts, we probably also have the easiest run in 20 years. Shut up and get on with it.

  • Comment posted by Sidders, at 11:26 15 Aug 2013

    WHAT? And has he seen our 3 openers?? Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool. Shut up Moyes...we can all see the Ferguson affect is still evident at Man Utd. UTV!

  • Comment posted by U15093012, at 10:48 15 Aug 2013

    Don't worry David, I'm sure the referees will be more than willing to give you a penalty or some extra time if your struggling.
    No doubt Man Utd's no 1 fan Phil Dowd will be in line to 'ref' plenty of their games this season and give them every single decision as per usual.
    The cheek of Moyes criticising the PL, who will do anything to help their precious 'Sky 4' stay on top

  • Comment posted by U15459665, at 13:35 15 Aug 2013

    Dear me, it didn't take him long to morph into Fergie, King of Paranoia. Everyone plays each other twice, so what's the problem? Somewhere down the line, they will have a run of theoretically "easy" games. Plus it is sometimes better to play the "tricky" games early before teams have got into their stride. He's just made himself look a fool before a ball has even been kicked. Priceless!

  • Comment posted by U14779898, at 11:25 15 Aug 2013

    He's just preparing his excuses for why they languish in 14th position and 30 points off a CL place at Christmas.....

  • Comment posted by jimmyhillsfanclub, at 10:29 15 Aug 2013

    Wow....I know Moyes wants to emulate Ferguson....

    ...but I assumed he wanted to do it on the pitch... not in the press.

    Boo hoo hoo....

    KEEP COVENTRY IN COVENTRY.

    GIVE US OUR CLUB BACK.

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