Everton forward Steven Naismith believes that David Moyes was treated "unfairly" during the Scot's time as Manchester United manager.

Moyes left Goodison Park after 11 years to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson but lasted just 10 months in the Old Trafford hotseat, and United eventually finished in their lowest ever Premier League ranking of seventh last term.

However, Naismith, who was brought to Everton from Rangers by Moyes, thinks that his former manager was not given enough time at the helm.

He told reporters: "I think his time at Manchester United was short but he was treated unfairly overall if you look into the situation.

"He's got some real fantastic qualities and he was always going to come back into management at some point. He's only worked in Britain so [his move to Real Sociedad] is a real challenge for him.

"All the criticism which came from all angles [at United] was unfair, as I say."

Moyes became the new coach of Real Sociedad earlier this week.