Rio Ferdinand says senior players will help new Manchester United boss

The 34-year-old believes the older players in the Old Trafford dressing room will play a crucial role as the club experiences life with a new manager for the first time since 1986.

Rio Ferdinand says new Manchester United boss David Moyes can expect the help and support of senior players in the dressing room as he looks to make his mark at Old Trafford.

The former Everton manager has the mammoth task of succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson after the veteran Scot's 26-year reign in the United hot seat came to an end at the close of last season.

Ferdinand believes the Premier League champion's core of veteran players, like himself and Ryan Giggs, will aid Moyes wherever possible as the 50-year-old looks to build on United's successes last season.

"The manager beforehand was an individual. There won't be anyone like him, you can't expect anyone to fill his boots exactly the same way," Ferdinand told Sky Sports News. "I don't think you can draw comparisons with them yet, we need to give the manager time. I just look at it how I would be in the job. Would you lean on players that have been here for many years for the experience and ask questions to better yourself? Course you would so you expect that.

"But I think the manager's fortunate he's got someone like Giggsy among others like myself who have been here for many years and know the fabric of the club. If there's anything we can pass on through experience to help him be a better manager and help us win trophies then fantastic."

Guillermo Varela is the only player to have joined the Red Devils this summer but Ferdinand is confident the club will be ready to defend the title even if no new players are brought in.

"We're confident," he added. "If we had to go into the season with the players that we've got now I'd be more than confident and with high hopes of doing well and winning trophies.

"If the manager adds to that and chooses to add to that, then great - but it remains to be seen."