Manchester United not harmed by Ferguson attending games, insists Moyes

Manchester United manager David Moyes denies that the presence of predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford is proving a hindrance.

The legendary former boss has been a regular spectator at Red Devils games since his retirement and was pictured alongside fellow director Bobby Charlton and club icon Bryan Robson as they attended Tuesday's 2-1 Capital One Cup defeat at Sunderland.

Ferguson remains on the board at United and some have suggested that his shadow is cast oppressively over the new man in charge but Moyes insists that all three are "terrific" influences.

Asked if their presences were a problem, he told the press: "Not at all. I can only see Alex as a great sounding-board for me, he's there to help.

"So is Sir Bobby, he's terrific. Bryan Robson is at the training ground regularly, I speak to him at the training ground. I find the three of them terrific."

A defiant Moyes is confident that the tide will turn at Old Trafford, despite seeing his hopes of securing silverware in his debut season at United take a huge blow in the space of three days. The first-leg defeat to the Black Cats came just two days after they exited the FA Cup at the hands of Swansea City.

"I've been here before, done it before, experienced, and I just sense that it's just on its verge of turning," said the Scot. "We're about to get a bit better.

"If you're going to be in this job, you've got to win. [In the] last few games, I've not won. [We're] going through a difficult time [but] it's part of football management, it's never going to be an easy ride."