David Moyes Claims Manchester United Fans Are Behind Him Despite Plane Protest

Manchester United manager David Moyes has been quick to dampen rumours that he isn't the most popular figure at Old Trafford.

Per David Anderson of the Daily Mirror, Moyes will be subjected to a plane protest, organised by disgruntled fans, before the game against Aston Villa on Saturday.

A light aircraft will circle Old Trafford with a banner displaying the words "Wrong One - Moyes Out" in response to the "Chosen One" banner that currently sits in the Stretford End:

Ian Herbert of The Independent noted the manager's response to the news:

If fans were hoping to rile the manager, they have completely misjudged Moyes' mood:

And despite their worst Premier League season ever, the United hierarchy remain staunchly behind the under-fire Scot:

In many respects, you have to admire Moyes' character in fronting up to fans and media alike.

He has never hidden from post-match interviews or press conferences, has answered every question no matter how difficult and has often given an honest assessment of his team's shortcomings.

Jon Super/Associated Press

That may be of little comfort to the United faithful, but it does give a hint of the backbone Moyes possesses.

That's something Sir Alex Ferguson, among others, would've noted before offering him the chance to succeed his fellow Scot.

It must also be taken into account that this is the side Sir Alex built.

As of this moment, it does not have the Moyes stamp, so those who are quick to judge should perhaps wait for another half-season before passing comment.

Of course, that may be far too long for many, but United never have been the type to fire managers willy-nilly. They believe in stability, as they showed when Fergie himself endured a miserable opening to his own United managerial career.

Ex-United stalwart Paul Scholes was quick to offer support to Moyes while pointing the finger directly at the Red Devils' underachieving first-team stars, per David Anderson of the Daily Mirror:

"

He needs time to get to know his players and I think a big problem is that he doesn't know his best team yet.

The players haven't helped in that way because they're not playing in the way they should do and that makes it even harder for the manager to find his best team.

"

United fans can whine all they like about his appointment, but it's fairly clear that Moyes is in it for the long haul.

Perhaps a bit more support from sections of the crowd, instead of petty airplane protests, wouldn't hurt.