Richard Keys Slams Sir Alex Ferguson and Admits Giving 'Advice' to David Moyes

David Moyes' short-lived reign as Manchester United manager could have been helped by predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson, according to presenter Richard Keys.

Wednesday saw Keys confess on his personal blog that he was happy to give the Scot tips during his time at Old Trafford, while also slamming Ferguson for the reaction to Moyes' failure:

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Fergie makes Moyes out to be an incompetent fool. What will prospective employers at clubs Moyes will see himself as a contender to manage going forward conclude?

It's to be hoped the same as me. I too was full of advice for David during his time at Old Trafford. I thought sacking Mike Phelan was a mistake but having spoken to David it turns out there was a very good reason to do it. I'm certainly not going to share that information here. Rene Meulenstein's subsequent resignation was an unexpected blow.

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Keys' criticism of Ferguson is made in reference to the ex-tactician washing his hands of Moyes' selection for the United helm in his autobiography.

The former Sky Sports broadcaster lambasts Ferguson for not offering Moyes more aid when it was required, going on to say: "Here's an idea - text him and find out what he wanted. Better still - call him."

Clint Hughes/Associated Press

Prior to his misogyny-related sacking from Sky Sports, per Metro, Keys was perhaps a figure the British public might have held in some esteem relating to their knowledge of the game.

However, his input has become less valuable in light of developments in recent years, with Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News and ESPN's Alex Shaw providing a more comical take on his "advice":

However, Keys is arguably correct in one area. He alleges that, boasting a far greater reputation and renown in the European game than Moyes ever has, Louis van Gaal is receiving more favourable treatment with the Manchester United board.

Peter Dejong/Associated Press

Whereas £27.5 million Marouane Fellaini stood as the jewel of Moyes' first transfer window at Old Trafford, Van Gaal was permitted to spend in excess of £150 million this past summer.

A great deal of good it seems to be doing, too, as WhoScored.com illustrates some worrying similarities between Van Gaal's Red Devils and the team under Moyes:

It supports the notion that the main issue at Old Trafford lies with the quality of the squad. After all, that stands as the one common denominator between the two, although Van Gaal is doing his best to correct that.

For all the advice Keys might have offered, it seems Moyes' position at the club may have been doomed from the start, the successor to Ferguson always likely to have a nigh impossible task in living up to their predecessor's standards.