David Moyes: Sir Alex Ferguson is not interfering in my job

Sir Alex Ferguson with David Moyes during their time as managers of Everton and Manchester United

Manchester United boss David Moyes has shot down rumors of former manager Sir Alex Ferguson having a say in his managerial decisions. The Daily Mail reports.

Sir Alex was in charge of United for 26 glorious years and has accomplished feats that will be hard to match by his successor. He made his comeback to Old Trafford, after going under the knife for a hip surgery, as a director.

Moyes has welcomed back Sir Alex Ferguson to the Theater of Dreams.

‘No, absolutely none whatsoever,’ said Moyes, when asked if Ferguson’s return hindered his efforts as manager. ‘I speak to him once a week. I pop in to see him after the game. We’ll say hello. He is a director now and I am going to use his advice. Why would I not do that? I would be a fool not to.

‘I’m happy for him to be here. He is not interfering. There is no interference whatsoever because he knows what it is to be a manager and he knows what that entails. You have to get on with the job yourself.’

Sir Alex gave his first interview to MUTV since he stepped down as manager of Manchester United.

The 71-year-old’s praise of Wayne Rooney had grabbed the headlines this week. Ferguson was all praise for the strikers current form and stated that Rooney was ‘back to what we always remember’.

Rooney had expressed unhappiness at United last season and Sir Alex had even confirmed that the forward submitted a transfer request. Moyes stated that he does not think his fellow Scot was trying to get Rooney to pen a new deal.

‘I thought Sir Alex just said exactly how he felt the boy played,’ said Moyes.

‘The word ‘‘olive branch’’ has been used but I think it was more, “Hey, I saw a Wayne Rooney full of desire and determination. He was turning and beating people, scored a couple of goals and you could see his running and effort for the team”. I don’t think it was to do with anything else. He [Sir Alex] spoke simply as a football man.’

Rooney is expected to spearhead United’s attack against cross-town rivals Manchester City when the team head to the Etihad today.