'If Robin van Persie incident deserved a red card then we've all gone soft' - Manchester United boss David Moyes

 
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Sam Johnston8 March 2014

David Moyes said the league was at risk of 'going soft' as he rejected suggestions Robin Van Persie should have been sent off during Manchester United’s win over West Brom.

United cruised to a 3-0 victory but many felt that the already yellow-carded Van Persie was lucky to stay on the field following a challenge on Steven Reid when the score was only 1-0.

Moyes substituted Van Persie soon after the challenge, but disputed suggestions that the Dutchman should have been dismissed, arguing that the modern game is too soft.

"I think the tackle (by Robin van Persie on Steven Reid) is a foul but not a second booking. If it is we are all going soft," said Moyes in his post-match interview.

Moyes, who wrote an open letter to United fans this week thanking them for sticking with the side through what has been a difficult season, was pleased with his side’s display.

He added: "It was more like it. We were more creative and played well. It's never the easiest of places to come and we had lost to them earlier in the season so it was good to get a good result.”

Wayne Rooney, who provided a goal and an assist at the Hawthorns, spoke of his side’s desire to produce a better performance following a disappointing 2-0 loss to Olympiakos in their last outing.

"We were hurt after losing to Olympiacos and we wanted to come and show everyone we're a good team," Rooney told BT Sport.

"We'll fight for our shirt and for our place in the team. We played with great energy and we always looked a threat. The goals were well deserved and there maybe could have been more.”

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