Moyes Criticises United’s Opening Fixtures of the 2013/14 EPL.

New Manchester United manager David Moyes says the defending champions face their “toughest start for 20 years” ahead of Saturday’s trip to Swansea, as the Barclays Premier League resumes.

Moyes Watches Ferdinand's Testimonials From the Home Team Stand at Old Trafford.
Moyes Watches Ferdinand’s Testimonials From the Home Team Stand at Old Trafford.

The defending champions travels to Swansea on Saturday in the opening weekend of the new season; followed by a mouthwatering clash with Chelsea at Old Trafford, the trip to Merseyside against Liverpool, a home game against newly-promoted Crystal Palace and the trip to Manchester City in the space of five weeks.

“I find it hard to believe that’s the way the balls came out of the bag, that’s for sure,” Moyes said, on his side’s opening five fixtures of the 2013/14 campaign.

A Premier League spokesman also confirmed that the former Everton manager had put his concerns to them directly, of which they replied by “assuring” him of the credibility of the fixtures selection process.

But earlier today (Thursday), the Scot made a satirical reference to United’s opening five fixtures at the Official Premier League launch in London.

“I think it’s the hardest start for 20 years that Manchester United have had,” he said.

“I hope it’s not because Manchester United won the league quite comfortably last year (that) the fixtures have been made much more difficult.”

Meanwhile, Moyes insists he will assess the fitness of striker Wayne Rooney before deciding whether or not to include him in the trip to Swansea.

The 50-year-old, who officially stepped into former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson’s shoes, after 26-year reign at the helm on July 1, has had his first summer at Old Trafford overshadowed by talk of Rooney’s future, with the England international the subject of two rejected bids from Chelsea.

A shoulder injury prevented the 27-year-old from featuring in last Sunday’s Community Shield victory over Wigan at Wembley, although he turned out for England against Scotland on Wednesday.

“(There are) no more developments, we don’t want any more, because we’ve told everybody he’s not for sale,” Moyes told Sky Sports News.

“I think I need to see how he is when we get back. When I get back I will try and assess him.

Rooney was replaced by match-winner and “Three Lions” debutante Rickie Lambert of Southampton and Moyes was an ITV match analyst watching the friendly encounter from the stands.

“I watched the game on Wednesday, I thought for the 65 minutes he played he did well, ran around and got himself some fitness, but it was his first real outing in a competitive game,” Moyes added.