Moyes Backing Under-fire Squad

Manchester United manager David Moyes is determined to put a stop to questions about whether his players care or not.

Former United stars Roy Keane and Peter Schmeichel, who is a paid ambassador for the club, have condemned several members of Moyes' under-performing squad in the past week.

Keane singled out Ashley Young and Rio Ferdinand for treatment, whilst Schmeichel has claimed some Red Devils players "look as though they don't care".

It is a problem that, unless resolved, has threatened to undermine Moyes' hopes of a successful transition from the Sir Alex Ferguson era.

"This squad was good enough to win the league last year," said Moyes. "I need to make sure we get them back playing at that level again.

"I take responsibility. I always do. It is the manager's job.

"I will try to make sure that from now on there are no questions about their application."

United go to Aston Villa in Premier League action on Sunday and they do so with Moyes under pressure to improve the team's current league position of ninth.

The back-to-back home defeats the team suffered to Everton and Newcastle United have led to renewed calls for Moyes to strengthen the squad at Old Trafford and he confirmed he plans to do exactly that during the January transfer window.

"We are making sure everyone has an opportunity to show the new manager exactly what they can do," he said.

"We are trying to be as fair as we can to the players who are here.

"We have really good players. These are near enough all the players who were involved last year. Hopefully we can get them in top form.

"I have a good squad. Can I improve it? Of course I can. Am I going to improve it? Yes I am.

"Undoubtedly we will alter things in the coming months and transfer windows. Will they come in January? I don't know."