Bibhash Dash

Sir Alex Ferguson can be faulted for many things. A fiery temper, near-dictatorial control at Manchester United as a manager, seemingly crazy decisions to let stars and fan favourites leave, and, perhaps, yelling at referees a bit too much.

But what he cannot be blamed for is distracting his successor David Moyes. And yet, following Manchester United's defeat to Sunderland in the League Cup semi-final first leg, that is exactly what is being said. That somehow, the 72-year-old is partly responsible for Moyes' failings simply by being in the same stadium as his successor.

The suggestion is deflecting from what Moyes' real problems are – a squad beset with injuries, defensive lapses and a lack of mettle in the midfield. Add their lack of focus in the second halves of games and Moyes has enough to be getting on with already, even without the intrigue of the current winter transfer market.

Distraction is not exactly high on Moyes' list. It would be akin to saying Ferguson's troubled first years at the helm were the result of Sir Matt Busby attending games. True, Ferguson took over from Ron Atkinson, but the legacy that Busby put down had, indeed, affected his successors Wilf McGuinness, Frank O'Farrell, Tommy Docherty, Dave Sexton and, finally, Atkinson.
 

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It is the legacy of winning Premier League titles – nay, winning itself – and not Ferguson's presence that is the overall pressure factor for Moyes.

Attending games is a distraction in the same way if it was said that Hull City manager Steve Bruce being on the touchline is a distraction for his son and Tigers defender Alex. It would then be a distraction in the same way for Thomas Ince, son of former England player and his current Blackpool manager Paul. And let's not forget that it would only be a distraction if either Alex or Thomas had a bad game, or a run of bad games.

Had Moyes enjoyed a superb start to the season, 'father-figure' Ferguson would undoubtedly have been given part of the credit. Media speculation would have had Ferguson turning up for training itself and inspiring the players, giving impromptu team-talks – really, anything to suggest he was somehow still an influence at Old Trafford. 

Television cameras panning to the former boss at games would have elicited many a "lords over victory" headlines. As it turns out, those same cameras now show Ferguson and Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton seemingly unhappy – appearing to shake their heads – after the Sunderland defeat. However, for anyone who doesn't know Ferguson, the disgust could just as easily have been for the penalty given to Sunderland by referee Andre Marriner, which has been subject to much debate. For now, Ferguson's 'influence' has become an easy target.

Ferguson not attending games at Old Trafford will have little effect on a Moyes attempting to match some part of his legacy. Would he not follow the games at home? Or discuss his views with Moyes, who is more than happy to have Ferguson as a sounding board? Were Manchester United to have Ferguson doing a Vincent Tan or a Flavio Briatore from the director's box, then the word distraction would certainly be applicable.

Moyes was quick to blame some of the decisions in that Sunderland game – including the penalty – for Manchester United's defeat. While it again deflects from what his major problems are, it would be downright insane of him to blame his predecessor for simply turning up. Ferguson loves his wine and horses, but he perhaps just loves Manchester United that little bit more.

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