Manchester United v Manchester City: Sir Bobby Charlton retains belief that David Moyes is the right man to lead club to glory
Moyes has suffered a dismal first season but a derby victory and unlikely Champions league success would certainly turnaround what has been a tough start for Sir Alex Ferguson's successor
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Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton is “absolutely certain” that David Moyes is the right man to continue the club’s success despite the difficult start the Scot has experienced at Old Trafford.
However, Charlton has also stressed that the side have performed “really, really badly” this season as they languish down in seventh, 18 points behind leaders Chelsea. Following the 2-0 victory over West Ham and the 3-0 win that overturned the Champions League deficit to Olympiakos the ensure progression to the last-eight, United face a testing Manchester derby that could go a long way to appease fans who have already lost faith in Moyes.
And Charlton, the club’s record scorer with 249 goals, has reiterated the belief that the United hierarchy picked the right man to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson.
“It doesn't mean we are going to change everything. I'm absolutely certain that we picked the right man,” said Charlton, before turning his attention to their bitter rivals ahead of tonight’s match.
“We are trying our best to make sure that we can beat them.
“If we can, it will be a tremendous stride because we've had a bit of criticism leading up to this, but I never doubt Manchester United.”
Charlton made his league debut for the Red Devils in October 1956, going on to become one of the fames Busby Babes before embarking on a hugely successful career for club and country, eventually leaving United in May 1973 after making a then-record 758 appearances.
The 76-year-old was speaking in Malaysia as part of the Laureus World Sports Awards, and he admitted that part of him was “glad” he would miss the derby given the sense of excitement such a fixture gives him.
“I always try to keep myself together when I'm in the directors' box, but sometimes I have to get on my feet,” Charlton admitted. “That is one of these occasions.”
Moyes himself has issued his determination to restore United to their standing above their city rivals, having come off a clear second best this season.
Writing in his programme notes for Tuesday’s match, Moyes said: “Football is cyclical and it will not be long before we are on the up.
“At this present time we sit behind City in the Premier League table, but that is something we will be looking to rectify in the future,” Moyes continued in the United Review.
“The title race is something we are aiming to be involved in over the coming campaigns, just as we have been in the past.
“Until it is impossible for us to qualify for next season's Champions League with a top-four finish, we will continue to try and reach that goal.”
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