Sir Alex Ferguson Comments on David Moyes and Manchester United's Future

Manchester United manager David Moyes has endured a wretched start to his managerial career at Old Trafford, with the 2-0 defeat at Olympiakos the latest in a worryingly long line of reverses.    

Whilst Moyes must shoulder the blame for the Red Devils' spectacular fall from grace, predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson has once again leapt to the defence of his fellow Scot.

Michael Regan/Getty Images

According to Mark Ogden of The Telegraph, Sir Alex, whilst not effusive in his praise, put a positive spin on Moyes' reign:

"

They (United) will be all right. It's early days and there have been a lot of changes. 

He (Moyes) needs time. I was there for 27 years, so with a new manager, it takes time.

But they'll be OK.

"

To count on someone who so obviously still holds sway in the Old Trafford corridors of power is but a small crumb of comfort for Moyes, in the midst of another disastrous run for United.

Just three wins in the last 12 in all competitions, per WhoScored.com, must be urgently addressed, with the big matches still coming thick and fast.

Over the course of the next five games, United host in-form and free-scoring Liverpool and Manchester City, whilst also looking to turn around the two-goal deficit against the Greeks.

Perhaps defeat in those matches will lead to more calls for Moyes' head, but it's entirely refreshing to find the club willing to stick with the manager despite the pressure to do otherwise.

Of course, it's not the first time that Sir Alex has spoken up on behalf of Moyes. James Robson of the Manchester Evening News noted Ferguson's comments from as far back as October:

"

When clubs sack managers there is no evidence that it works.

There is good evidence from people like myself, Arsene Wenger and Brian Clough that stay for long periods can look ahead and plan because players know who the manager is.

The manager who is consistent in his position at the club does better. Changing manager regularly doesn’t help.

David Moyes was at Everton for 10 years. There’s evidence that sticking with a manager does help.

"

It should perhaps be taken into account that Wayne Rooney, for example, hasn't exactly covered himself in glory. Just a single goal this year in all competitions is a return hardly worthy of a new contract at a reported £300,000 per week, per BBC Sport.

Robin van Persie has fared better in the goalscoring stakes, but his demeanour is beginning to grate on his team-mates. A thinly veiled attack on the Dutchman from Javier Hernandez via his Instagram account will have done nothing for morale.

It's another potential flashpoint that Moyes can do without, and in times of crisis it's said you find out who your real friends are.

David Moyes will be thanking his lucky stars that he has Sir Alex Ferguson fighting his corner.