Sir Alex Ferguson’s former assistant Carlos Queiroz has backed under-fire Manchester United manager David Moyes to turn around the club’s fortunes, but says they won’t win the title.
Queiroz served as Ferguson’s right-hand man between 2002 and 2003, and again from 2004 to 2008.
In this time he helped the Reds to three league titles and their third European Cup, and was largely credited with the rapid development of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese, currently managing the Iranian national team, said that while United can no longer challenge this season they will still cause trouble for other teams.
“It’s sure they won’t be able to win the title this season, but one thing I have no doubt about is that they will still hand out some nightmares and headaches before the end of the campaign,” he said.
Queiroz also made it clear that his ties to United are as strong as ever and declared that Moyes will come good if given sufficient time.
“It’s not my old team, it’s my team,” he said. “I still care. We’ll be there, don’t worry, just give us a little bit of time and we’ll be there. David will be fine.”
Queiroz’s words of encouragement come as the Reds attempt to end their three-match winless streak with a win against Crystal Palace on Saturday, having won just two of their last seven league games.
The squad returned from a Dubai training camp earlier in the week, and the Old Trafford faithful will be hoping the trip has provided the players with a much needed confidence boost ahead of their trip to south London.
Despite breaking the club transfer-record with the £37.1 million signing of Juan Mata last month, United’s form has suffered as they struggle to create goal-scoring chances.
Moreover, doubts persist concerning the happiness of Robin van Persie, with Holland coach Louis van Gaal today stoking the fire by claiming that the Dutchman finds playing for United ‘difficult’.
Image courtesy of rtppt, via Flickr, with thanks.
