David Moyes
David Moyes is keen to add to his squad. Reuters

David Moyes will attend his first press conference as Manchester United manager, after taking formal charge from Sir Alex Ferguson on Monday. Ferguson retired at the end of the 2012/13 Premier League season, bringing the curtains down on 26 trophy-laden years for the Old Trafford club.

Where to Watch Live

The press conference starts at 3.45pm BST. Live coverage will be available on MUTV. Follow the news live, via real time Internet updates, on United's official website.

Overview

The Wayne Rooney Question

The former Everton manager will definitely be asked about Wayne Rooney's future at the club. The England international developed under Moyes when the two were at Goodison Park together but have since fallen out, over what the Scot believed were libellous passages in the striker's autobiography.

Speculation surrounding Rooney's future at the club surfaced after a couple of incidents towards the end of last season; the arrival of Dutch international Robin van Persie last summer may not have helped either.

Rumours began to fly after Rooney was dropped from the starting XI by Ferguson for the critical second leg of a Champions League knock-out match against Real Madrid. Although Ferguson brushed the matter off as a tactical decision (he fielded Danny Welbeck instead) talk of an unsettled Rooney, one who was dissatisfied with losing his central attacking role to van Persie and being shunted down to midfield grew.

And further talk of Rooney reportedly demanding a transfer fanned the flames as well, although United later admitted no formal request had been lodged by the player.

In any case, with Arsenal, Chelsea and even Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid believed to be waiting on Moyes' decision, Rooney's future is far from settled. The two were supposed to have met midweek but reports say that did not happen and there is no indication of any such meet in the near future.

The Thiago Alcantara Race

Meanwhile, the potential arrival of Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara is also likely to be a talking point. The 22-year-old Spaniard is extremely highly rated by his own club and other leading sides and the fact he has a release clause set at a bargain €18m only makes him an even more attractive proposition.

United need numbers in central midfield position. That much is clear. But for a club like United, numbers are not enough. They need top quality central midfielders, who can orchestrate attacking play. And Thiago is exactly that sort of player. Perhaps the best way to stress on that is to indicate that Barcelona consider him the natural successor to Xavi Hernandez.

Goal.com believes United are very close to confirming Thiago's transfer and have agreed personal terms worth a massive €140,000 per week. It would appear the transfer is now almost certain to happen, particularly since the Spain U21 captain has yet to receive assurances about first team football this season. And Friday's presser could give us concrete clues to what we can expect from this story.

Backroom Revamp

Meanwhile, the appointments of former United defender Phil Neville and Welsh international Ryan Giggs (to a player/coach role) may also be discussed. Moyes' shrewd decision to retain the experience and passion of Giggs is in keeping with the tradition of the club and should help the transition; Neville will have a particular role to play here, having played for United and under Moyes at Everton. Moyes has also been joined by Steve Round, Jimmy Lumsden and Chris Woods, all of whom worked with the Scot at Goodison Park.

In addition, the Premier League champions' new boss is also expected to address United's general transfer activity. Everton left-back Leighton Baines is a known target, with the Red Devils having had one bid rejected. PSV Eindhoven midfielder Kevin Strootman has also been linked to the club, as has Argentinean centre-back Ezequiel Garay and a host of other players.

Another possible topic could be the challenge of replacing Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm. Moyes has a near-impossible legacy to live up to and must surely be aware of the comparisons that will inevitably follow.

United captain Nemanja Vidic will join his new manager in Friday's press conference.

Wayne Rooney Real Madrid