Manchester United boss David Moyes admits he wanted Rene Meulensteen to stay.

The Dutch coach left United last week to become Guus Hiddink's No2 at Anzhi.

"I need to say a big thank you to the former manager's old staff - Rene Meulensteen, Mike Phelan and Eric Steele, who have left the club. I asked Rene to stay but he felt it most fair that he moved on and let me stamp my own authority on the team," revealed Moyes.