Moyes puts on a brave face

BELEAGUERED Manchester United boss David Moyes insists Sir Alex Ferguson’s shadow is not looming over him as he attempts to revive the club’s season.

Moyes’ predecessor sat alongside Sir Bobby Charlton and Bryan Robson in the stands last night as relegation–threatened Sunderland condemned his side to a third successive defeat, the latest coming in the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi–final, for the first time in almost 13 years.

But the Scot is adamant the trio is a great help rather than a hindrance as he attempts to stamp his authority on the club: “Alex is a great sounding–board for me. He is there to help, so is Sir Bobby. He is terrific. Bryan Robson is at the training ground regularly, I speak to him regularly. I find the three of them terrific.”

Moyes was putting on a brave face as he assessed a difficult night on Wearside, which saw United drag themselves back into the game through Nemanja Vidic’s 52nd–minute header after Ryan Giggs’ own goal had handed the home side the advantage, only to succumb to Fabio Borini’s second–half penalty.

The Black Cats will head for Old Trafford on January 22 knowing they will make it to their first League Cup final since 1985 if they can avoid defeat.

But Moyes is confident his players are responding to him, and that they can still ensure it is they rather than Gus Poyet’s men who eventually run out at Wembley.