Give Moyes time to rebuild Manchester United, says Irwin

The ex-Red Devil says the club must be patient with the Scot, who he feels did a "fantastic" job at Everton and fully deserved to be given the job at Old Trafford

Former Manchester United defender Denis Irwin says the club must give new boss David Moyes time to rebuild.

The Scot has endured a difficult season since taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer, with the reigning Premier League champions currently in seventh place, a massive 16 points behind leaders Chelsea.

However, Irwin feels the new boss needs to be given time to refresh the squad and get the team playing his way.

“Until he [Moyes] brings players in, puts his own stamp of philosophy the way he wants to play, we have to give him time. It's simple as that,” the now-retired full-back told Goal.

“It's been a tough year for Manchester United in the Premier League, but the Premier League has always been fantastic. I don't think there's any getting away from that

“The club will be very patient. We'll have to win a lot of games to finish in the top four but until he brings his own players in and puts his own philosophy on the Manchester United team, we have to give him plenty of time.

“As I said, it was always going to be a tough year after Sir Alex left, no matter who took the job. The team needs freshening up. There's no doubt about that and hopefully in the summer we'll be able to do that.”

Irwin also feels that Moyes was the right man to replace Ferguson and says it is no surprise to see the champions struggling under new management.

“Moyes did a fantastic job at Everton in his 11 years there and totally deserves his chance,” the Irishman added.

“It's not my decision. It's the board’s decision and the ex-manager [Sir Alex] to put him [Moyes] forward. It will take a while [for Moyes] to know the players.

“He tried to sign a few players in the summer, but it didn't really work out. And I have no doubt that he will be in and out for them in the summer again.

"It's been tough. I think everybody knew there were going to be a lot of ups and downs this year.”