Manchester United: David Moyes defiant despite plane protest

Manchester United boss David Moyes was defiant in the face of a fly-past protest during his side's 4-1 win over Aston Villa at Old Trafford.

Moyes made the unusual step of walking out before his team, receiving a rousing reception before kick-off.

Moyes said: "I just wanted everybody to know I'm the manager and you know where I am - standing at the side of the pitch every week, that's my job."

A plane carrying an anti-Moyes banner was booed by fans when it appeared.

Its message, which read: "Wrong One - Moyes Out" in seven-foot high red lettering was flown above the ground two minutes into the Premier League match.

The protest was organised by fans unhappy at Moyes's start at United, but it was greeted by a chant of "One David Moyes", which rang out around the ground.

The disgruntled fans hired the plane and the banner as a response to the 'Chosen One' banner on the Stretford End at Old Trafford, which refers to former manager Sir Alex Ferguson's role in Moyes's appointment as his successor.

But fans at the ground showed their support for Moyes, who acknowledged their applause before the game and at the final whistle, when he was also clapped off.

Speaking in his post-match media conference, he said: "I've found the support inside Old Trafford has been terrific and I think, if ever there was a show of support for their football club, it was today inside Old Trafford. It was terrific, it really was.

"I've not found what people are saying or writing. I've actually found the majority of people are very supportive and understand the job we are doing. We know we have a big job and we are determined to put it right.

"You just have to remain focused on the game - and that's what we have done."

Former England full-back Danny Mills, summarising for BBC Radio 5 live, said: "I think the Manchester United fans who spent the money should have saved themselves a few quid: half of the ground didn't see it and the rest didn't pay very much attention to it."

BBC Radio 5 live commentator John Murray added: "There were definite boos when the plane went overhead - fans in the Stretford End were then applauding in unison and to me that is a signal of support for the manager. It seems to have triggered support for David Moyes."

Wes Jones, who organised the protest, said on Friday: "We wanted to show that support isn't as 100% as Moyes would like to think."

But Moyes said: "For the people who have spent money on the plane, it would have been better served by putting it into [United midfielder] Darren Fletcher's colitis charity instead.