Fergie would have failed... Even he couldn't have done better than me at United this season, says under-fire Moyes

David Moyes insists Sir Alex Ferguson could not have done better this season

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho said Fergie could not be held responsible for United's troubles

Moyes could face more anger from fans if United fail to beat Aston Villa

Plans for a plane to fly over Old Trafford before Villa match with banner calling for Moyes' head

Moyes insists the possiblity of the banner appearing makes him more determined to succeed



David Moyes fuelled the debate on his dismal Manchester United season on Friday by insisting even Sir Alex Ferguson could not have done better.



The under-fire manager made the amazing claim on the same day Jose Mourinho said Fergie could not be held responsible for what has gone on since he retired.



Moyes will face another ordeal at the hands of angry fans if his side fail to beat Aston Villa on Saturday and there are plans for a plane to fly over Old Trafford before the game with a banner calling for him to be axed. But the defiant boss insisted that only makes him more determined to succeed.



VIDEO Scroll down to watch Moyes react to defeats and see what players should leave



Bold claim: UInder-fire Manchester United boss David Moyes has said his predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson would have struggled to do better this season

In the firing line: An angry Manchester United fan approaches Moyes during the 3-0 derby defeat to City at Old Trafford on Tuesday

Club legend: Sir Alex Ferguson played a part in the hiring of Moyes to take over at United All change: Moyes took over at United in the summer but has struggled to inspire his team

Moyes said: ‘If Sir Alex were here this year it would be difficult for him as well and I’m sure he’d agree.



‘People are aware there’s a squad that is ageing, so it would have been a tough season for whoever was in charge of United this year. It could have been the case no matter what.’



Some fans turned on Ferguson after the Manchester derby defeat at Old Trafford on Tuesday over his part in appointing Moyes.



But that prompted Mourinho, a close friend of Fergie, to speak out in his defence.



The Chelsea manager said: ‘He made United what United is. He deserves to retire and enjoy life. ‘Now he’s responsible for what? For what? United lose a match and it’s his responsibility?

Speaking out: Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has defended Sir Alex Ferguson after United fans turned on him during the 3-0 City derby loss

Mutual respect: Mourinho, right, and Ferguson are close friends

'United struggle in the Premier League and it’s his problem? (Wayne) Rooney misses a goal, or (David) De Gea makes a mistake and it’s his fault? Let him retire in peace.’



Moyes, who has presided over seven home defeats this season, insisted Ferguson’s faith and support are key factors in why he will survive the crisis.



He said: ‘The people who appointed me are incredibly knowledgeable football people — in fact, it was probably the most knowledgeable person who gave me the job.

Home woes: Moyes has presided over seven home defeats for United this season

Frustrated: United striker Wayne Rooney shows his displeasure during the 3-0 loss to City Yellow peril: Yohan Cabaye, now playing for Paris Saint-Germain, scored the only goal when Newcastle beat United earlier in the season

Theatre of nightmares: Liverpool striker Luis Suarez scored one of his side's three goals in the 3-0 win over United at Old Trafford

Bragging rights secured: Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure celebrates scoring his side's third goal in the 3-0 win over United in the derby

‘They saw somebody who could do the job at Manchester United and know what the club is about and the style of the job so you have to trust those people. They trust me and for that reason we’ll go on working together.



‘I have continued with the philosophy and style that I believe I work in and that I believe Manchester United work in. I came here with a long-term job, not a short-term one.’



Stewards had to guard Moyes’ ‘Chosen One’ banner in the Stretford End on Tuesday night amid fears it could be torn down, and unhappy fans have paid for a plane to fly over Old Trafford on Saturday with the message ‘Wrong One — Moyes Out’ in red lettering.



Trying to get his message across: Moyes is under pressure after United's poor season

Burning issue: The Chosen One banner featuring Moyes' face will remain on display at Old Trafford, despite unrest at the results this season

On guard: Stewards stood by the 'Chosen One' banner after the City defeat after fears fans would try and remove it

The Scot said: ‘It’s something people are entitled to do. But that’s not what I’ve sensed.



‘I sense a stronger level of support in Old Trafford — for their club, for their team. If anything, I would say United supporters this year have been as good as people have seen them for many a year.



‘It’s a long journey here and this is just the start of the journey. You work hard to get to this place and I’m probably even more driven now because we’re in a position where it’s easy for people to say it can’t be done. Well, that’s the job that we’re going to do.’



Tough times: United fans have been forced to watch their team struggle this season under Moyes

Plenty to ponder: Moyes will be looking for United to bounce back against Aston Villa on Saturday



Asked if the ‘Chosen One’ banner has become a hindrance, Moyes replied: ‘It makes no difference to me. I’ve said from day one here that until I’m successful I’ve got no need for any banners.



‘I’ll be happy when I’ve won trophies and then I can have a banner up there rightly.’



