Manchester United manager David Moyes has said Sir Alex Ferguson would have struggled this season. Moyes has claimed, “it would have been the case no matter what this season”.

Manchester United are currently seventh in the Premier League table, with 3-0 efeats to Liverpool and Manchester City their most recent home league results. Today’s game with Aston Villa is due to be somewhat overshadowed by a fan funded anti-David Moyes banner being flown above Old Trafford for the opening 15 minutes of the game.

"If Sir Alex was here it would be difficult for him as well," Moyes said.

"It could have been the case no matter what this season. But it has been so un-Man United, which is why we have to look to continue a policy of building, improving, getting better."

Moyes took over United following 11 years at Everton where he earned a reputation as a manager capable of working well on a tight budget. Ferguson left United having won the league by 11 points last season, however this year has seen an overall improvement from United’s traditional rivals, with the return of Jose Mourinho and the renaissance of Liverpool just two factors making this year’s competition for the Premier League title sterner than last season.

Moyes pointed to the ageing nature of his squad as a factor affecting his side this year. "People are aware there is a squad that is ageing, so I think it would have been a tough season for whoever was in charge of Manchester United this year,” he said.