Moyes Criticises Premier League Fixture List

Manchester United manager David Moyes says he finds his club's start to the new season "hard to believe".

Among their first five Premier League games, the champions host Chelsea and Manchester City and Liverpool away.

Moyes said: "I find it hard to believe that's the way the balls came out of the bag, that's for sure."

The Premier League responded by saying: "We have absolutely assured him the process is random and above board. He has accepted those assurances."

A league spokesman also confirmed that Moyes had put his concerns to them directly.

However earlier on Thursday the Scotsman said: "I think it's the hardest start for 20 years that Manchester United have had.

"I hope it's not because Manchester United won the league quite comfortably last year [that] the fixtures have been made much more difficult."

Moyes officially took over from Sir Alex Ferguson, who retired after 26 trophy-laden years in charge, on 1 July. The former Everton boss saw his new side win the Charity Shield with a 2-0 victory against Wigan last week. They start their Premier League campaign away at Swansea, before facing Chelsea, Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Manchester City.