Sir Alex Ferguson says that David Moyes just needs time at Manchester United and has backed his successor to succeed in the job.

Under Moyes United, champions last year in Ferguson's final season at Old Trafford, are 18 points off top spot in the Premier League, 12 points off fourth and 2-0 down to Olympiakos following the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

It has been a difficult start for the former Everton manager but Ferguson believes Moyes will eventually be a success.

"They [Manchester United] will be all right," said Ferguson, speaking at a gathering thrown by the British Consul-General Chris O'Connor in Los Angeles before Sunday night's Oscars. "It's early days and there have been a lot of changes.

"He needs time. I was there for 27 years, so with a new manager it takes time. But they'll be OK."