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Leave Moyes alone to do his job: Cole

SINGAPORE — Regardless of where Manchester United finish in the English Premier League this season, even to the extent of missing out on Champions League qualification, David Moyes should be left alone to continue with his job.

Former Manchester United and England striker Andy Cole attends a press conference on Monday, Nov 4, 2013, in Singapore where a Unilever and Manchester United Partnership was announced. Photo: AP

Former Manchester United and England striker Andy Cole attends a press conference on Monday, Nov 4, 2013, in Singapore where a Unilever and Manchester United Partnership was announced. Photo: AP

SINGAPORE — Regardless of where Manchester United finish in the English Premier League this season, even to the extent of missing out on Champions League qualification, David Moyes should be left alone to continue with his job.

So said former United striker Andy Cole, who was a member of the Red Devils’ treble-winning side in the 1998-99 season.

Speaking on the sidelines of this afternoon’s (Nov 4) sponsorship signing ceremony between Anglo-Dutch multi-national consumer goods company Unilever and United, Cole said that current manager Moyes, who has been under pressure after the club’s shaky start to the season, should be given the trust and time to do his job — just as his predecessor Ferguson was given when he took charge back in 1986.

“David (Moyes) is Sir Alex Ferguson’s choice as his successor at Manchester United and he has been given a six-year contract. So why don’t we just allow him to do his job?” said the 42-year old Cole who made 275 appearances during his seven years at Old Trafford and scored a whopping 121 goals.

Still, there is no denying that United’s current league position is causing Cole and all former United greats some discomfort.

Despite their 3-1 win over Fulham on Saturday, United are still eighth in the league with 17 points, eight adrift of current league leaders Arsenal. The win over Fulham is their fifth of the season but they have also lost thrice and drawn two matches.

When asked if he is happy with United’s current standing, Cole, who won five league titles at Old Trafford, joked: “Happy? No they should be 10 points clear by now.”

As a global ambassador for United, Cole gets the opportunity to represent the club at overseas events such as today’s sponsorship signing event, and it is a role that the former England international enjoys.

“It’s a great club and they always give their former players the opportunity to go back there is whatever capacity,” said Cole who left Old Trafford in 2001 to join Blackburn Rovers. “As a coach, spectator or whatever. It’s a family-oriented football club.”

But he has no desire to become a coach himself.

“I am not really interested in coaching,” said Cole who hung up his boots in November 2008 after a 19-year career.

“I just want to take things easy, travel the world and do some media work for Manchester United.”

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