Ex-Manchester United right-back turned TV pundit Gary Neville believes that David Moyes just needs time to achieve greatness – just as Sir Alex Ferguson did too.
The Red Devils are off to a shaky start under their new leader reaching seven points from six games which sits them in the bottom half of the table.
Despite his wealth of experience Moyes has struggled to adapt to the culture of Manchester United and Neville believes despite the intense pressure, he has the backing of the boardroom.
Neville said on Monday Night Football: “If you think about the early years of Sir Alex Ferguson, he was allowed to develop into a presence.
“In the first three or four years he was at the club he was coming under intense pressure.
“David Moyes, there’s no doubt about it, is still learning to come to terms with his squad and getting to know his players and the culture of the club.
“People have said he’s been negative in press conferences and they probably have got a point on that.
“Manchester United fans don’t like sensible and realistic, they like to dream and they want to hear that the club can win the league and can win the European Cup.”
Over the course of the club’s history the board have stuck by managers and Neville is certain this isn’t going to change now.
“But he’s finding out about the club and one thing’s for certain; you’ve got Sir Bobby Charlton in the boardroom and Sir Alex Ferguson in the boardroom and David Gill in the boardroom.
“That manager isn’t going anywhere by the way.
“David Moyes will be given time over three or four years to build a football club and learn the ropes. It takes time and he’ll be given time, just as Arsenal have done with Arsene Wenger.”
Unfortunately for Moyes his inherited United squad won the Premier League last season at a canter and their sudden inability to win games has frustrated the Stretford-end.
Neville said: “I put it towards the players. I know a lot of those players and they’ll be hurting like mad. A lot of players will go before David Moyes goes because, believe me, they will give him time.”
Image courtesy of Sky Sports via YouTube, with thanks.
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.