Fergie’s book has done Moyes no favours at all

Alex Ferguson’s autobiography comes at an awkward time for the new Manchester Utd boss.

I’ve always thought that Sir Alex Ferguson had impeccable timing.

He seemed to have the knack of knowing when to move a player on, make a substitution or deliver a withering remark that would unsettle the opposition. But I’m really puzzled by his decision to release a new autobiography at this time.

We all know publishers like to release books with an eye on the Christmas market. But, for me, Fergie’s book seems to have been released with undue haste.

I can’t believe that he needs the cash. He’s still involved with Manchester United, and I don’t think the book helps a club that hasn’t made the best of starts to the season.

I suspect that, privately, Davie Moyes could have done without this. He’ll have been worried about the impact the publicity might have on Wayne Rooney. His striker has made a fantastic start to the season and looks in fine physical shape.

I’m not sure, however, that Rooney is as mentally tough as some.

People like Roy Keane and Arsene Wenger are strong characters, who won’t lose any sleep over Fergie’s remarks. As for Rooney . . .

Steven Gerrard, said Fergie, isn’t a top, top player.

I don’t agree with that at all. Gerrard has nothing to prove and I believe he’s the type who will ignore the sort of barb Fergie levelled at him. But Rooney was forced to come out and speak about the saga at the end of last season when it was claimed he’d put in a transfer request.

During the week, he said he was pleased Fergie had put the record straight by saying he hadn’t submitted a request. That’s all well and good, but it put the England forward back in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Can you imagine how Fergie would have reacted if a former manager had been writing about one of his players when he was in charge?

I’ve written a couple of books, but waited until my playing career was well past. I had no association with any club, so there was no way I was in danger of unsettling colleagues who’d helped me.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s status as the greatest Manchester United manager of all time is set in stone, and he’s idolised by the fans. But I wonder if his relationship with the current management and playing squad will ever be the same.

I want Davie Moyes to succeed at Manchester United but I don’t think another Scot one who said everyone at the club had to get behind the new boss has done him any favours at at all.