Ferdinand Says Experience Will Be Key To Moyes Being A Success

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes experience will be key to their chances of success under David Moyes.

The Premier League champions will start this season under a new manager for the first time in more than 25 years following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.

And Ferdinand believes it is only natural that Moyes will want to lean on the senior professionals in his squad as he settles into the job of managing one of the biggest football clubs in the world.

"The manager beforehand was an individual. There won't be anyone like him, you can't expect anyone to fill his boots exactly the same way," Ferdinand told Sky Sport News.

"I don't think you can draw comparisons with them yet, we need to give the manager time.

"I just look at it how I would be in the job. Would you lean on players that have been here for many years for the experience and ask questions to better yourself? Course you would so you expect that.

"But I think the manager's fortunate he's got someone like Giggsy among others like myself who have been here for many years and know the fabric of the club.

"If there's anything we can pass on through experience to help him be a better manager and help us win trophies then fantastic."

Moyes has some of the most experienced players in the Premier League in his squad and, in player-coach Ryan Giggs, he has the most decorated player in the history of the English game, with the Welshman making 941 appearances for the club and winning the title 13 times over a playing career that has so far spanned 23 years.

Ferdinand has been at the club for 11 years, making 432 appearances and winning the title six times.

Michael Carrick has clocked up 319 appearances since joining from Tottenham in 2006 whilst club captain Nemanja Vidic has made 266 appearances and both have won five Premier League titles.

Wayne Rooney has more than 400 United appearances to his name, despite being only 27, although his future at Old Trafford remains in doubt following confirmed interest from Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Ferdinand is bullish about United's prospects for the new campaign regardless of what happens between now and the transfer window closing.

Uruguayan youngster Gustavo Varela is the only player to have signed for United so far this summer after bids for Leighton Baines and Cesc Fabregas were rejected.

But Ferdinand said: "We're confident. If we had to go into the season with the players that we've got now I'd be more than confident and with high hopes of doing well and winning trophies.

"If the manager adds to that and chooses to add to that, then great - but it remains to be seen."

Moyes himself appears similarly enthused by the options at his disposal.

He reflected on the tour of Asia: "I'm taking away a great experience of my first trip with Manchester United in general and what the football club means around the world.

"But I've also had a chance to get to know the players, try and settle into my new environment and the players to get to know me as well.

"They've been working with a great manager for a long time, a lot of them, so it's going to take time. But I've enjoyed working with them, they're incredibly professional and I can see why they're champions. The way they conduct themselves and go about their business and I've been very impressed by them."