David Moyes didn't think life at Manchester United would be so hard

DAVID MOYES has WRITTEN to Manchester United fans pleading them to keep faith with him.

A LOT HARDER THAN ANTICIPATED: David Moyes has found life at Old Trafford harder than he had imagined

The under-pressure United boss has penned an open letter to season ticket holders admitting he did not expect such a rough start to life at Old Trafford since succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer.

United’s disastrous season means the champions are on course to finish outside the top four for the first time in Premier League history.

That would also mean missing out on Champions League football for the first time since the 1995-96 season.

United have failed in both domestic cups and their European hopes are hanging by a thread after losing 2-0 to Olympiakos in the first leg of their Champions League tie.

TOUGH ACT TO FOLLOW: Sir Alex Ferguson was always going to a tough act to follow but David Moyes has probably got off to the worst start possible at Old Trafford

But the Scot has vowed to turn it around next season and has asked for the fans to hold their nerve and keep backing him.

He said: “While I knew that this job would be a challenge when I took it on, the difficult season we have experienced was not something that I envisaged.

“I am sure is the case as well for you supporters – and my players, staff and I am desperate to compensate for that.

“We have all stuck together through some tough times this season and I firmly believe that, in the long run, we will all come out at the other end, stronger for the experiences.

“Everything we have been through will make us a better, stronger team and club in the future.

STRUGGLED: Moyes has found life difficult in his first season at Old Trafford

“Over the years you have seen great winning sides here and, in time, I have absolutely no doubt that we will see great winning sides here again.”

Moyes explained the reasoning behind the letter yesterday saying he felt the need to reach out to the fans who continually back him.

He said: “The idea was put out and I was asked to put out something to the supporters and it was just to say, here we are, this is how it’s gone about.

“I think most Manchester United supporters totally understand the situation and they’ve shown that with their support and their backing wherever I’ve been, not just at Old Trafford but everywhere I go.”