Reds ready to silence the doubters

MANCHESTER United manager David Moyes expects the Red Devils to retain their tradition of being at their best when doubters are out in force.

United face Chelsea tonight in Moyes’ first Premier League game at Old Trafford

Despite opening with a 4–1 win at Swansea, there remains an air of negativity around the club.

With no new signings and Wayne Rooney’s future uncertain, many outsiders wonder if United will have the durability to resist a challenge from Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho in particular.

Moyes expects the response to be a positive one.

“We are getting written off quite often,” said the Scot. “In the main, when that is the case, this club tends to say ‘we’ll show you’. It is in my nature. It was definitely in the previous manager’s nature.

“Supporters here understand that as well.”

That United have been able to post what they claim to be a British record 63,000 season ticket sales underlines that their fans remain solidly behind Moyes.

And veteran defender Rio Ferdinand has been around long enough to be convinced about United’s abilities, regardless of how the short term results over their hazardous start to the campaign turn out.

“That run of fixtures is good for the media. It makes a story,” said Ferdinand. “When I first looked at them I thought it is a tough start for the new manager. But it is an exciting start, too.

“If we are in a good position after these first six games, the confidence will be great.”