Changing Room Chat: Sir Alex Ferguson praises fellow Scot David Moyes

The pair have struck up a close bond and there are some who feel Moyes will one day replace Ferguson as manager of Manchester United. Ferguson’s exit is not predicted for some time yet, though, and Moyes still has a job to do at Everton, where he will celebrate ten years as manager later this month.

“You take myself and [Arsenal manager] Arsene Wenger and the length of time we have been at our clubs, but we have had success to help us on our way,” said Ferguson. “David has had to contend with not having a strong financial structure.

“He has to get the best out of the players he has had available and has done an amazing job.”

Ferguson believes Moyes has benefited from having the foresight to secure so many of his younger players on longer contracts, meaning he has not had to cope with the upheaval so many of his counterparts have endured. “He has a grittiness and determination,” said Ferguson. “No matter how many players he has had injured he produces a team that has represented the club very well. He is a first-class manager.”