David Moyes defends axing Mike Phelan at Manchester United

Sunderland manager David Moyes has defended his decision to dispense of Mike Phelan when he arrived at Manchester United in 2013.

Phelan had acted as Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant manager at Old Trafford, but was replaced by Moyes's own team of backroom staff when the Scot took over at the club following his compatriot's retirement.

Phelan and Moyes will be reunited in the dugout when Sunderland welcome fellow strugglers Hull City to the Stadium of Light this weekend, and Moyes insists that there is no ill-feeling towards the Tigers boss from his side.

"It was tough because I understand how important [Phelan had been] and the good work he had done. But I also had to make a decision," he told reporters.

"I went with my own team, just like maybe Louis van Gaal went with his team or Jose Mourinho took his team. They were the decisions you had to make and I made that decision.

"But Mike's a good guy. I have known Mike a long time."

Sunderland currently sit bottom of the table, five points adrift of Hull and six away from safety.