6 Things David Moyes Has Done Right so Far at Manchester United

How do you follow a manager like Sir Alex Ferguson? To put it simply, you don't. For better or for worse, you go your own way.

Facing up to Manchester United's toughest league start in years amid a stuttering executive handover that saw the club's transfer activity lost in limbo, David Moyes has tread a fine line between making his own mistakes and coming close to imitating his pre-eminent predecessor like some sort of sub-par tribute act.

Yet United's new manager has also made some good decisions to begin his stint as the club's manager, steering the team in a new direction.

The next six slides will focus on the highlights from his managerial reign so far and why his actions could yet deliver glory to Manchester United in 2013/14.

Defensive Solidarity

Although Manchester United haven't looked entirely fluent in attack under Moyes—their four goals against Swansea City on the opening day of the season came thanks to the individual brilliance of Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck—at the back the team have looked resilient under pressure.

Relying on the veteran pairing on Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, and a rigid team shape that snaps back into two banks of four when out of possession, United have conceded two goals in their first three games, one of which was an inconsequential consolation goal against the Swans.

Building from the back may not immediately win over Moyes' critics who remain suspicious of his ability to produce attractive football, but his safety first approach should lay the foundations for more fanciful forward play as the season develops.

Deploying United's older defensive duo currently causes the team to sit deeper and close down as a unit rather than individually. This has so far led to less tackles per game (16) compared to last season (19.2) with an increase in interceptions: a league high of 17.7 per game compared to 13.6 in 2012/13.

Making comparisons between the averages of three games against a season's worth of 38 is far from satisfactory, but taken on their own merits the statistics suggest that Moyes' early defensive solidarity has been built on controlling territory instead of impulsive, last-ditch tackling.

If this trend should become an established policy of prevention rather than cure, fans can take some satisfaction from the fact their new manager's influence has brought increased sophistication to the back line.

Once United's younger and quicker defenders are available for selection, most notably Jonny Evans— whose unique ability to distribute to the flanks is also sorely missed—the defence can look to push higher in support of a more expansive style of play.

Any attempts to go on the offensive, however, shouldn't come at the cost of United's promising, proactive approach to defence so far this season.

Retaining Rooney (and Nani)

Wayne Rooney and Nani are two of Old Trafford's favourite pariahs yet David Moyes has done well to keep them both available for selection in his squad.

Though criticised for disloyalty and inconsistency respectively, the are able to make decisive contributions to games.

In the summer, Moyes clumsily referred to Rooney as Robin van Persie's back-up, but the Englishman can perform a much more important role should he be prepared to drop a little deeper at times. The manager has also praised the Englishman's attitude in training, claiming he's in his "best shape for years".

Could it be that the Chelsea-based dramas of the the transfer window have stirred some motivation back into United's No. 10 after seasons of complacency?

A fit and motivated Rooney is a potent asset, and if he has now regained some of the youthful athleticism that enabled him to cover the pitch as a hard working, all-action catalyst for his team, the England forward could provide goals and guile in a box-to-box role.

Similarly, Nani may have to accept a shift in circumstances to find his place in Moyes' new era. With Shinji Kagawa or Rooney likely to fill the narrow, left wing role preferred by the former Everton manager, it appears that Antonio Valencia will remain as first choice on the right for now.

After all, with his excellent combination with Rafael down the flank and impressive work rate pressing defenders and tracking back, the Ecuadorian adds some vital, functional balance to the team from out wide.

The Portuguese on the other hand brings an unpredictable, technical brilliance that can dazzle full-backs into submission. However, his lack of consistency and constant, selfish desire to shoot or go it alone in attack means that a regular starting berth looks unlikely, regardless of his undoubted talent.

Instead, Nani can be Moyes' ultimate alternative off the bench, coming on to side-step his way past tired legs and prey on the sluggishness of frayed attention spans.

Later in the season, when the usual sources for goals and inspiration have dried up, the decision to retain both Rooney and Nani could well prove to be a masterstroke.

Ryan Giggs: Player-Coach

Buzzwords have been big in Manchester this summer.

While Manchester City opted for a "holistic" approach to replacing Roberto Mancini as manager, Moyes' appointment as Ferguson's successor was made in the name of "continuity".

Acting not only as a link between the past and the present, but also as a transitional figure connecting the players with the management team, and the established culture of Ferguson to the future under Moyes, Ryan Giggs' promotion to the coaching staff may have been an obvious step to take, but it was still a shrewd decision.

Considering the Welshman's popularity and public ambition to one day manage the club, Moyes may well have turned a potential rival into a supportive ally. His reputation within the game could yet come into plan as the club seek to improve their recruitment methods after the disappointments of August and September.

Like Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid, Giggs may look to act as a role-model beacon to convince high-calibre transfer targets to choose Old Trafford. The winger's very own longevity and medal count make a convincing argument in favour of the potential benefits players can enjoy at the club.

Giggs also is still a useful player to have around, recently fulfilling the role of a free-roaming attacking midfielder, perhaps offering glimpses of what sort of role Kagawa will be given once his match fitness has improved.

Loaning out Nick Powell to Wigan Athletic

With Owen Coyle's past record of developing young footballers sent to play under him, the decision to send Nick Powell on loan to Wigan Athletic looks to be sound.

James McCarthy's departure for Everton means that the former Crewe Alexandra star should enjoy plenty of game time and on-field responsibility, enabling him to accelerate his development towards potentially becoming a first-team player for Manchester United.

During his time as Bolton Wanderers manager, Coyle was able to offer Jack Wilshere and Daniel Sturridge the opportunity to shine as key players within his team. Now, it is hoped that the former Burnley manager can take in and improve Powell at the club that acted as a Premier League finishing school for Tom Cleverley in 2010/11.

Touted a possible future panacea to United's midfield shortage, Powell's first touch, ability to create space for himself and constant desire to drive towards goal suggest he could become quite a player given the chance to fulfil his potential.

Whether he will be a long-term replacement for Carrick—an ideal man to play the role of the robust, goal-scoring midfielder that is so loved by the Old Trafford faithful—or a more attacking player deployed in the hole, the 19-year-old needs competitive football to become the player United will one day need him to be.

Signing Marouane Fellaini

Manchester United may have failed to sign Thiago Alcantara, Cesc Fabregas and Ander Herrera, but in Marouane Fellaini they have captured a proven Premier League star with the attributes to excel at Old Trafford.

He may not be the midfield hero every United fan wanted, but he fulfils a niche that currently is lacking from the club's repertoire of players, bringing a much-needed muscular presence to the team. 

Fellaini may also be able to help bring out the best in Kagawa, with the Belgian causing havoc and creating space with his chest controls and physical surges up and down the field.

There's also a chance that the bad press surrounding the former Everton player's transfer may help to galvanise the United team with a siege mentality and hunger to prove themselves. Manchester United's new big-haired, £27 million-midfielder can take some personal inspiration from his critics, many of whom have already written him off as a overpriced flop.

After excelling and improving at Everton over the past five years, it seems unlikely that the tough-tackling and determined Belgian enforcer will struggle to make the most of his opportunities at Old Trafford.

Improved Results Home and Away

Last year, Manchester United were beaten 1-0 at home by Chelsea and drew 1-1 in their away visit to Swansea City's Liberty Stadium.

Having so far beaten Swansea 4-1 and drawn 0-0 against Chelsea, David Moyes has collected an extra three points compared to Ferguson in the same fixtures in 2012/13.

While the 1-0 loss at Liverpool two weeks ago levelled the credit earned, two improved results out of three is not a bad return. Against Crystal Palace, Moyes will be hoping to replicate if not better the club's form against promoted teams last term which stood at six games played, five won and one drawn, away to West Ham United.

A big win over the Eagles could act as a morale boost ahead of next week's trip to the Etihad where United's new boss will look to match the 3-2 away win achieved last December.

What do you think of Moyes' reign as Manchester United manager so far?