David Moyes insists he can handle whatever abuse is thrown at him when he returns to Goodison Park. The United manager is set to face a hostile reception from the club the left last summer.
David Moyes insists he can handle whatever abuse is thrown at him when he returns to Goodison Park.
The United manager is set to face a hostile reception from the club the left last summer.
But as Roberto Martinez’ side push for Champions League qualification, Moyes has reminded his former supporters of the role he played in Everton’s success story this season.
The Scot is full of admiration for the manner in which his successor has developed the team he left behind. Everton have earned plaudits for their attractive style under Martinez, which has moved them into contention for a top four finish - nine points ahead of United.
But the Spaniard is working with a squad largely assembled by Moyes.
“Roberto has done a great job,” said Moyes. “I think he’s picked up a really good group of players.
“There has always been a chain of young players ready to go in the team and I think that’s helped.
“They have some really good players and they have gone on again.
“Great credit to Roberto, but he has a group of players who were always capable of going on again, of improving. Maybe moving further up the league.
“Don’t forget Everton finished above Liverpool last year - and the year before.
“So it was a great achievement for Everton.
“In a way it should not be a surprise they are doing well. They’ve been in seventh or eighth for most seasons recently.
“You have to remember we also finished in the Champions League.”
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Still Moyes can expect to be the subject of abuse from Everton fans - angry at the nature of his departure and his attempts to sign Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini last summer.
They made their feelings known when Everton travelled to Old Trafford earlier in the season.
Moyes hopes time will heal those wounds, but insists he won’t be daunted by his Goodison return.
“I think people would be disappointed if I wasn’t the same as I’ve always been because that’s what I am,” he said. “I won’t and I can’t change.
“I’ve got great respect for Everton as a football club, but my job is to manage Manchester United. I’ll be going there to win.”
Moyes says some Everton fans to accept the nature of his departure after 11 years
“Maybe people don't believe how it happened,” he said. “I think there was animosity because of the players - we’d like to have bought a couple of them.
“But lots of United players go to Everton - so there is reverse. Hopefully in time everyone will look at it (his reign) and say it was a really good period in Everton’s history.”
