Alex Ferguson backs David Moyes to turn it around

‘Once they get the ball rolling, everything will be fine’

Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson before a news conference for his new autobiography at the Institute of Directors in London. Photograph: Luke MacGregor/Reuters
Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson before a news conference for his new autobiography at the Institute of Directors in London. Photograph: Luke MacGregor/Reuters

Alex Ferguson insists David Moyes will get all the support he needs to succeed as Manchester United manager.

Ferguson released his autobiography today with United languishing in eight spot in the Premier League and yet to record back-to-back victories since his retirement.

The Scot admitted the press conference to herald the book’s publication did not represent the greatest of timing given the scrutiny Moyes is now under.

However, he is sure the former Everton boss will get it right, and claimed United are the only club who could win the title from their present position.

READ SOME MORE

"Obviously this press conference has come at a bad time, otherwise I wouldn't have been asked that question," said Ferguson. "When I joined Manchester United I was given great encouragement from Matt Busby, who was a fantastic help to me. I hope to help David Moyes in exactly the same way."

One of Moyes's first acts as United boss was to rail against what he perceived to be a fixture list loaded against him, featuring, as it did, matches against Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City in his first five games.

“When I saw that fixture list I would have been raging too,” said Ferguson. “It was a really difficult start to the season. “But do you know something, Manchester United are the only club that can win the league from coming from behind.

“Once they get the ball rolling, everything will be fine.”

Ferguson added: “David Moyes is in a great position. He will get the same help I got.

“He has a great support system and he will be fine.”

Ferguson said he had not considered walking away from the limelight after announcing his retirement in May.

“When you are part of our club it is very difficult to leave it permanently,” he said. “You have to remain active. I have taken on quite a few challenges over the past few months.”

In a press conference that lasted almost 45 minutes, Ferguson touched on a number of key areas in his book, including the revelation that he twice turned down the job of managing England.

“It was a great opportunity to relegate England,” said Ferguson. “No way would I have taken that job.

"(Former FA chief executive) Adam Crozier was the first one to come and see me. It took me about 10 seconds to say no way. I couldn't manage England in a million years. Think of me going back to Scotland doing that."