Manchester United legend Gary Neville believes that although the Red Devils’ performances have been underwhelming this season, the club should still give manager David Moyes more time.

The former United captain spoke during Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football show after widespread speculation that Moyes was to be sacked in the next few days.

Neville played 18 years as a defender for United under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson and insists that even with under-par performances on the field, the club should not ‘quick-fire’ managers when things don’t immediately go their way.

"I've been associated with the club for 30 years and that's what I've always believed," he told Sky Sports.

"From Dave Sexton to Ron Atkinson - people will say those are different times - and Sir Alex Ferguson himself got time in his early years when it was difficult for him.

"I genuinely believe that when you give a man a six-year contract that he deserves an opportunity and the time.

"The reason we are sat [in a TV studio] is because we look at football management and think of it as being a world of madness, an absolute world of madness where the average manager gets sacked every 12 months.

"I've always felt that Manchester United should be different and hold itself up as a club that basically stands against what is happening in the game.

"We used to laugh at Italy 20 years ago and say it was ridiculous what's happening there, but now we have almost become accustomed to it.

"I think fans are well within their rights, but I don't like it when professional people - people inside the game - come out with statements that suggest a manager should be sacked.

"It's not something you'll ever hear from me because it's a difficult job, something that I've never done."

Manchester United’s 2-0 loss to Everton seemed to be the final straw for Moyes, as they are now mathematically unable to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.