Gary Neville: 'David Moyes deserves time'

Former Manchester United full-back Gary Neville has insisted that the club should retain the services of manager David Moyes in the summer, even if he fails to guide them into next season's Champions League.

As it stands, Moyes's side are seventh in the Premier League table and nine points behind rivals Liverpool, who occupy the final berth for Europe's top competition.

However, whether United are successful in their pursuit of the Merseysiders or not, Neville believes that the club's track record with managers suggests that they will allow him the time to put things right.

"I prefer to talk about a club that is not like the others, with a different philosophy and that gives time to its managers," the 38-year-old told L'Equipe. "At Manchester United, hard work always pays off and David Moyes is working a lot.

"Before Alex Ferguson, Tommy Docherty, Dave Sexton and Ron Atkinson also had time. They always got full support. David Moyes deserves as much time as his predecessors. Manchester United is not Real Madrid or Chelsea, clubs that sack a manager who has won trophies.

"Manchester United is different and has to remain different and I will repeat that even if they don't qualify for the Champions League."

Tonight United take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.