How do you replace Sir Alex Ferguson? Send your answers on a postcard to David Moyes.

In fairness to the Scot, after a difficult start to life at Old Trafford, there were signs towards the end of 2013 that Manchester United had started to move through the gears. It may have come too late where the title is concerned, but they should now at least challenge for a top-four spot.

At the turn of the year they are eight points behind leaders Arsenal, but also have five teams blocking their route to the summit.

Here, Sports Mole reviews an inconsistent five months for Moyes at the United helm.

August

Ordinarily, the Community Shield is not high on Man United's wishlist. However, with a manager in charge that had never previously won a trophy, the Wembley meeting with Wigan Athletic was regarded as important fixture for the club. It was by no means a classic, but two goals from Robin van Persie saw Moyes get off to a winning start.

The Dutchman continued that form away at Swansea City on the opening day of the season as United recorded a 4-1 victory. The transition between one Scot to another, initially at least, appeared seamless.

In the days leading up to Chelsea's visit to Old Trafford, Moyes was forced to deal with intense questions regarding the future of Wayne Rooney. It was widely believed that the striker wanted out, with the West Londoners his preferred destination. Moyes dug his heals in and even played him against the Blues, which ended up being a tepid 0-0 draw.

With Rooney told that he was to stay put, signing players proved to be much more of an arduous task. The likes of Cesc Fabregas and Thiago Alcantara were linked, but a rushed deal for Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini, who cost £28m, was the only new face to arrive. So often a club that kept their business in-house, United had become a figure of fun following botched attempts to sign Ander Herrera and Fabio Coentrao during the final hours of the window.

September

A head injury kept Rooney out of the trip to Liverpool at the beginning of September, which ended in a 1-0 defeat. He returned and scored during the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace and he was also on the scoresheet during the next two matches, both of which ended in Premier League losses.

Moyes's side were humiliated 4-1 away at rivals Manchester City, before West Bromwich Albion returned to Midlands with a 2-1 victory to show for their efforts.

There was better news in the Champions League as Rooney scored a brace during a 4-2 win at the expense of Bayer Leverkusen, while Liverpool were beaten 1-0 in the League Cup thanks to Javier Hernandez's close-range effort.

October

One of Ferguson's final acts as United manager was to include Adnan Januzaj in his matchday squad. It was Moyes that gave him his debut against Palace, before throwing him at the deep end courtesy of his first start away at Sunderland in early October.

Craig Gardner fired the home side in front, but United's 18-year-old Belgian showed that he was a star in the making with two goals, including a powerful volley which sealed a 2-1 win.

Old Trafford, so often a fortress for United, was proving to be uncomfortable surroundings. Southampton were the latest to frustrate the hosts thanks to a late equaliser from England international Adam Lallana. That was followed by a nervy 3-2 victory over Stoke City.

Four points from clashes with Shakhtar Donetsk and Real Sociedad put United in command of their Champions League group and there was also progression in the League Cup, with Norwich City being dispatched 4-0.

November

There was a positive start to proceedings in November with wins over Fulham and league leaders Arsenal. Van Persie was the hero against his former club, heading the only goal of the game to bring United to within five points of the Gunners.

It appeared that it would be three wins from three when United entered into stoppage time of their match against Cardiff City in Wales leading 2-1, but Kim Bo-Kyung headed in an equaliser to ensure that the spoils would be shared.

It was a much different story in the Champions League, with qualification secured before the final match. Fellaini was handed a red card during a 0-0 draw in Sociedad, before the team's best performance to date saw them dismantle Leverkusen 5-0 in Germany.

December

The less said about the start of December, the better as far as Moyes is concerned. The 2-2 draw away at Tottenham Hotspur - with Rooney scoring both goals - was deemed credible, but what followed next saw United drop way off the pace.

Everton and Newcastle United had not won at Old Trafford since 1992 and 1972 respectively, but both recorded 1-0 victories as United slumped to back-to-back home defeats for the first time since 2002. By the end of that weekend, United were 13 points behind Arsenal and in ninth place.

However, United rallied and went on to win their next four Premier League fixtures, with Danny Welbeck scoring important goals in a 3-0 win over Aston Villa and a 1-0 success away at Norwich.

Further wins against Shakhtar in the Champions League and Stoke City in the League Cup ensured that United would still be fighting on all fronts in 2014. In Europe they will meet Greek side Olympiacos, while Sunderland stand between the Red Devils and a Capital One Cup final at Wembley.

Looking forward, January could be a crucial month for Moyes. He has had to contend with speculation surrounding the futures of a number of his players, including Rooney, Van Persie, Hernandez, Rio Ferdinand and Shinji Kagawa. He's also intimated that he would like to make additions of his own. It's a month that could define the remainder of the campaign.