I started a new game as Man Utd, as real life suggests it's a tough transition period and it takes hard work to retain their status. My success in the game however suggests that it's just David Moyes is shit.
I think they'd do everything possible to avoid punishing a team for the actions of fans generally. If it's a concerted effort it might be a slightly different story mind you, and I wouldn't have much confidence in anything the FL decide nowadays.