United Veteran Backs Moyes to Win Trophies without New Signings

Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United have a squad capable of winning trophies this season, despite the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson. The legendary Scot has been replaced by former Everton manager David Moyes.

The Premier League champions have had a mixed pre-season so far, with only two wins in five games so far; Moyes was beaten by a Singha All-Star XI and Japanese J-League club Yokohama F-Marinos, and held to a draw by another Japanese club, Cerezo Osaka.

"We're confident. 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," Ferdinand explained.

The summer has been disappointing so far with at least one key transfer target lost. United were bidding for Spain U21 International Thiago Alcantara but the Barcelona man snubbed Old Trafford advances to re-unite with former manager Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich.

Moyes has since turned his attention to Alcantara's club mate at the Nou Camp - Cesc Fabregas. However, his efforts to sign the former Arsenal midfielder have been rebuffed at every turn, with new Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino insistent that the 26-year-old will remain in Spain.

However, the Scot has also hinted that he would not be too upset if a summer midfield signing was not possible. Moyes admitted to being impressed by his new players' professionalism and indicated he was looking forward to the new season.

United begin their competitive calendar on 11 August, when they face Wigan Athletic in the Community Shield. The champions then open the defence of their league title on 17 August, with a trip to the Liberty Stadium to face Swansea City.

"I've had a chance to get to know the players, try and settle into my new environment and the players to get to know me as well. They've been working with a great manager for a long time, a lot of them, so it's going to take time," Moyes revealed.

"But I've enjoyed working with them, they're incredibly professional and I can see why they're champions. The way they conduct themselves and go about their business and I've been very impressed by them," he concluded.