Manchester United manager David Moyes has been reinstated back onto Manchester City’s Christmas card list in recognition of his achievements at Old Trafford thus far.

The Red Devils boss, beleaguered, oversaw a second home defeat inside a week when Yohan Cabaye’s second half goal earned a 1-0 win for Newcastle United that came just days after an identical result for Everton.

Ironically it was as manager of the Toffees that Moyes established himself as persona non grata at City, leading the Merseyside club to a succession of hard-fought victories against them and, on one memorable occasion, eating Roberto Mancini.

Speaking exclusively to Football Burp, Manuel Pellegrini chose to draw attention to our somewhat tenuous grasp of irony.

He said: “That’s probably not irony, Moyes beating City lots as Everton boss than losing to Everton as United boss.

“I’d say it was more like an interesting quirk – in any case, I’m delighted to announce that Moyes shall indeed be the recipient of a Christmas card from us in the coming weeks.

“Yes, he ate my predecessor, but if Nelson Mandela taught us nothing else then it’s to turn the other cheek in the interests of peaceful resolution.

“That is why I would like to send David Moyes a signed photo of James Milner blowing a kiss.

“He’s been the best Manchester United manager in years.”

He added: “David Moyes, I mean.

“Not James Milner.

“Obviously.”