David Moyes is fortunate to still be in the Sunderland job after the week he has just had.

In 2013, the Scot would never have been able to predict that just a few years later, he'd be embroiled in not only a sexism row, but a relegation battle - and all at once.

Back then, Sir Alex Ferguson's successor was on top of the world.

Hand-picked by the legendary Manchester United boss to replace him at Old Trafford, it didn't matter if any of the fans questioned whether he was the right man for the job.

An extremely limited budget had not impeded his relatively successful years at Everton. Likewise, a few doubters weren't going to stop him from revelling in his appointment at one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Some of the most distinguished managers would have baulked at replacing Fergie. The sheer scale of the job even seems to be having an impact on Jose Mourinho almost four years later.

Moyes was confident. This was an era when it was still unthinkable - for younger fans, at least - to envisage a United side who could end a season without silverware, let alone outside the top four.

Of course, hindsight is a wonderful thing, but it still makes rather amusing reading to take a look at a few of Moyes' quotes from his first press conference in the United hot seat, as quoted in the Guardian. 

ON SIR ALEX

"Hopefully, the supporters will realise it was his time to finish and time for someone else."

ON DAVID MOYES

"All I can do is do what David Moyes has done before. I'll continue the traditions of the club. I am very fortunate that I am taking over the champions of England and I do hope that I can do a great job here in time."

"Hopefully I'll have that same magic touch that Sir Alex used to have with substitutions and the like."

ON TROPHIES

"Success is tattooed right across the club badge. I'm determined to get the first [trophy] on the board as soon as possible."

Moyes is highly unlikely to enjoy any revenge over the club who sacked him when he faces them with relegation-bound Sunderland on Sunday.

Looking back, it's clear now that Moyes was not the right man, nor he did he arrive at the right time, but if he was good enough for Sir Alex, he was good enough for all of us.

Should Moyes have been given more time at United? Have your say in the comments.