Former manager David Moyes has leapt to the defence of Erik ten Hag, Manchester United’s new gaffer, saying that the Red Devils are doing a “brilliant job” under him.

Moyes, who knows all about high pressure around management at Old Trafford, was full of praise for the dignity and resilience that Ten Hag showed in adversity. The Scot, who, after just ten months, welcomed the end of his job, sympathises with what Ten Hag is experiencing today.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Moyes said, “I think he has shown brilliant resilience in the situation he is in. I think he should be credited for how well he has conducted himself. As far as I know, I have not seen him ducking any questions or media interviews, so I think you have to give him great credit for that.”

Jason Gulledge from Dallas, TX, USA, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

For Moyes, it is the perfect time his former assistant Ten Hag gets support as his time with United runs out. The Red Devils have failed to get into any sort of rhythm this season, and growing calls for Ten Hag to be axed haven’t stopped with myriad soothsayers calling for his head. Then, of course, there was Moyes, who feels that the Dutchman needs more time to actually put his vision for the club into practice.

“But it is a job that is going to attract immense pressure and people talking, so I have to say I think he is doing a brilliant job,” Moyes added.

Well, Ten Hag’s future at United remains a topic of much debate, but Moyes’ vote of confidence will prove to be one extremely important affirmation that will help thaw the ice around him as they continue their journey through tough times.