David Moyes insists new Sir Alex Ferguson book and theatre tour will not be a distraction for Manchester United

The retired manager is set to reveal some secrets from his time at Old Trafford

Sir Alex Ferguson (left): 'When we discussed the candidates that we felt had the right attributes we unanimously agreed on David Moyes' David Moyes (right): 'It’s a great honour to be asked to be the next manager of Manchester United' (Getty Images)

Manchester United manager David Moyes insists Sir Alex Ferguson's forthcoming book launch and sell-out theatre tour will not prove a distraction.

Following an hour-long interview in the United States on Wednesday, former Red Devils boss Ferguson's observations on Wayne Rooney, David Beckham and numerous other subjects became headline news.

If his previous book Managing My Life is any guide, the press conference to launch the autobiography on October 22, the same day as Moyes is due to face the media ahead of United's Champions League encounter with Real Sociedad, will dominate the news agenda.

After that there are five Q&A evenings, in Manchester, London, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dublin, that will also capture plenty of attention.

Yet Moyes does not see any particular problem with that. And he does not believe United's focus will be altered as a result of it either.

"Anything Sir Alex does is good for Manchester United," said Moyes on Friday. "He was an incredible manager. His success was fantastic.

"I don't see it being negative in any way at all."

There has been speculation Ferguson may re-open old wounds with Wayne Rooney, or the England striker's long-time adviser Paul Stretford.

In this week's interview Ferguson refused to back down from his claim Rooney asked for a transfer last season.

"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.

"To the Manchester United supporters, anything Sir Alex says is gospel. They love him and rightly so."

PA