Former Manchester United manager Tommy Docherty has expressed his belief that the presence of Sir Alex Ferguson behind the scenes could prove beneficial to David Moyes.

Moyes made a slow start to his time in charge of United, leading some to claim that Ferguson's continued presence around the club had made it harder for Moyes to stamp his own mark on the team.

The situation has drawn comparisons with when Sir Matt Busby stepped down as manager at Old Trafford and a number of successors, including Docherty, struggled to overcome his presence at the club.

The 85-year-old admitted that it was almost impossible for Moyes to achieve the same level of success as Ferguson, but believes that the experience of the former boss could help Moyes if he chose to use it.

"It is nice to have Sir Alex there. If David says 'I want to see Sir Alex, because it is my choice not his, there is a lot of knowledge and advice there, why not pick it if it is good information?' [then that's fine]. But when I was there with Busby, the old players who, without being disrespectful, were past their sell-by date, used to by-pass me and go and speak to Busby and that's where a lot of the trouble can start," Docherty told PA.

"I don't know if Alex still has an office there but if he is there as an ambassador [as well] and if David wants to go to him - well, it is nice to have your neighbour next door. If need be go and see him, and if not, carry on doing what he is doing.

"The biggest danger is following Fergie. His record is mind-boggling. No one will ever match that. It is an impossible task to win the honours he has won. He might do a great job but will that be enough? That is a question you have to answer."

Docherty, who was in charge of United for five years between 1972 and 1977, was recently inducted into Scottish Football's Hall of Fame.