Sunderland vs Manchester United preview - No worries over Fergie book - Moyes

Posted Saturday, October 05, 2013 by PA

David Moyes does not believe the imminent launch of Sir Alex Ferguson's autobiography and subsequent theatre tour will have a negative effect on his Manchester United team.

Ferguson is due to launch what seems certain to be another memorable autobiography at a press conference in London on October 22.

It is the same day as Moyes is due to preview United's Champions League encounter with Real Sociedad.

There is no doubting who the centre of attention will be though, just as Ferguson commanded the headlines on Wednesday with the content of an extensive TV interview in the United States.

With so many potentially explosive comments on the agenda, not least Wayne Rooney and his long-time advisor Paul Stretford, it is difficult to imagine United not being hit by some kind of fall-out, no matter how careful Ferguson tries to be.

However, Moyes is relaxed about the prospect.

"I don't see it being negative in any way at all," said the Scot.

"Anything Sir Alex does is good for Manchester United.

"He was an incredible manager. His success was fantastic.

"To the Manchester United supporters, anything Sir Alex says is gospel.

"They love him and rightly so."

Yet it was suggested in the summer that one of the chief reasons behind Rooney's desire to leave United was his breakdown in relations with Ferguson. In particular, there is an issue over Ferguson's claim Rooney handed in a transfer request, something sources close to the player have denied.

On Wednesday, Ferguson rejected the opportunity to pull back from that position.

Given the time he has taken to talk Rooney round, Moyes could be forgiven some distress at the intervention.

The Scot insists there is no issue.

"If you are alluding to Wayne I see no problems with that whatsoever," said Moyes.

"Look at Wayne's performances. Look at the way he has played.

"I think he has been fantastic.

"I don't think anything that comes out will have any effect on us."

What can be guaranteed is that if United suffer a third straight Premier League defeat for the first time since December 2001 when they visit Sunderland on Saturday, Moyes' tenure will be raked over again during the two week international break.

Kevin Ball will send Sunderland into battle looking to maintain an unlikely unbeaten run.

The 48-year-old interim head coach took the Black Cats to Old Trafford in April 2006 during his previous spell as caretaker manager and emerged with a creditable 0-0 draw.

However, the experience was soured by the fact that Sunderland, who were all but doomed when Mick McCarthy parted company with the club, were formally relegated that day.

A repeat of that scoreline at the Stadium of Light this time around would represent a major boost to morale on Wearside with the club still looking for a first league win of the current campaign, although Ball knows just how difficult that will be despite the criticism United have had in the wake of defeats by Manchester City and West Brom.

Asked if United boss David Moyes' detractors were unreasonable in expecting instant success, he said: "From Manchester United's point of view, they are probably entitled to do that.

"But they have also got to understand when things change, it takes time to build some sort of momentum, and I have no doubt in time, that will happen there.

"I just look at it as Manchester United. I know what quality of players they have got and know it's going to be a very difficult game.

"What's gone on in previous games, I'll look at, but it doesn't really count because they have got a lot quality about them, they are a good team.

"I am really hoping David Moyes is successful there."

There will be several familiar faces in the United squad from the side which ran out against the Black Cats all those years ago with Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney among those still going strong.

Ball said: "I must admit, Giggs' hair is grey now, isn't it, like mine? It's unbelievable, it's absolutely fantastic.

"Ryan Giggs, you look at him and what he's done and everything about him in terms of his football is absolutely fabulous, and Ferdinand, Rooney - superb.

"What I felt on the night was quite interesting as well. I can't remember who it was when they came out, but they actually said 'Well done' to us on the night for the result.

"I felt a great sense of humility from them as well, which is a fantastic attribute to have.

"It was a great night. Ultimately what happened after the game didn't sour it, but was a reflection."

Ball has no fresh injury concerns with striker Steven Fletcher back in training after dislocating his shoulder, although he will not be available until after the break for international matches, while fellow frontman Fabio Borini, who was ineligible last week, will return to the squad.