David Moyes has spoken of his gratitude to Sir Alex Ferguson for giving him the chance to manage Manchester United.

Moyes, who was sacked by United on Tuesday, said he felt proud to have taken the team to the Champions League quarter-finals, and that he understood fans' frustrations at the overall results.

He said in a statement: "During this period of transition, performances and results have not been what Manchester United and its fans are used to or expect, and I both understand and share their frustration.

"I have always believed that a manager never stops learning during his career, and I know I will take invaluable experience from my time as United's manager.

"I remain proud to have led the team to the quarter-finals of this year's Champions League and I remain grateful to Sir Alex Ferguson for believing in my ability and giving me the chance to manage Manchester United."

The League Managers' Association has blasted the "unprofessional manner" in which Moyes was sacked.

LMA chief executive Richard Bevan said: "The LMA is very disappointed with the nature of David's departure from Manchester United and to read extensive reports in the press, confirming David's sacking, before David himself had been spoken to officially by the club.

"Throughout his time at United, David, as he always does, has conducted himself with integrity and professionalism, values that he believes in and that have been strongly associated with the club and its rich tradition.

"It is therefore sad to see the end of David's tenure at United being handled in an unprofessional manner."