Manchester United Don't Have to Ask Awkward Questions About David Moyes Yet

Manchester United made a statement in the summer. 

They chose one of the Premier League's longest-serving managers to replace Sir Alex Ferguson, and they gave him a six-year contract.

It was United's way of saying, "In Moyes we trust". The handover was never going to be easy, but no one thought it would be.

There were few at the start of season, though, who thought United would be ninth in mid-December having already lost five games—three of them at home.

So when is enough, enough?

Despite back-to-back home defeats in the Premier League for the first time in since May 2002, David Moyes' job is safe. United's board didn't invest so much in the former Everton manager to sack him after four months. 

But, as with everything, there is a tipping point. Where that lies is up to the board to decide. Moyes certainly won't expect to keep his job if he can't turn things around. However, he should at least feel confident he'll get time to do it.

For now, Moyes retains the support of the fans. 

Midway through the first half against Shakhtar Donetsk at Old Trafford, with the visitors on top, the fans opened up into a chorus of "David Moyes' red and white army." 

They had picked their moment. Moyes has been battered and bruised in the last seven days. And if he was hoping for a response from his players against Shakhtar, he didn't get it in the first half.

The moans and groans inside the stadium had long since started, but through it all came the Stretford End's song hailing Moyes. They didn't have to, but it was a reminder that a majority of the fans who go to the games—the ones who matter most—are still onside. At least for now.

The fans' other song for their new manager goes, "Come on David Moyes, play like Fergie's boys." And there, in a nutshell, lies the problem. Moyes' team aren't playing like Fergie's boys. 

The first half against Shakhtar was turgid. It was only after Ashley Young had a chance late in the half that United looked like scoring. Roy Keane said in the ITV studio at half-time that Moyes would have to "earn his keep" during the break to inspire the players who were letting him down.

And whatever he said in the dressing room seemed to work, with Phil Jones scoring the winner after 67 minutes.

It was a goal that guaranteed top spot in Group A and with it a more manageable tie in the second round. More than that, it eased the pressure on Moyes.

It will help the question marks fade slightly into the background, at least until United arrive at Villa Park to face Aston Villa on Sunday.

After successive defeats, it also saves the United hierarchy from asking themselves some uncomfortable questions. They will be happy if they never have to ask, "When is enough, enough"?