Keep it schtum! Moyes admits he's been talking to the old boss... but Fergie doesn't want him giving anything away

David Moyes revealed he has been having regular conversations with Sir Alex Ferguson - but admitted the former Manchester United manager wouldn't want him to disclose any details of their discussions.

The new Old Trafford boss has endured a difficult start to his United career, which has been punctuated by poor pre-season results, failures in the transfer market and the continuing saga surrounding Wayne Rooney.

Fortunately for Moyes, he has been able to call on one of the game's most influential managers for advice as the 71-year-old recuperates from a recent hip operation.

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The former Everton boss told BT Sport: ‘I’ve had several conversations with Sir Alex and I went to see him at home – he’s had a hip operation and he’s at home recovering. 

'We’ve had long conversations and he’s in good spirits and he’s very interested to see how things are going.'

‘He’s great for me and he’s someone I will use for advice. A lot of people say that’s not a good thing but I see it as a great thing to have someone of that experience and if I need anything I can call him.

However, what the pair have been talking about is unlikely to extend beyond their conversation, with Moyes admitting: ‘People who know Sir Alex know he wouldn’t want me to tell you what he said. 

'He’s been great. Everybody knows the quality of the man - he’s recovering right now and I’m sure it won’t be too long before everybody sees him out and about again.’

Great Scot! Moyes has appreciated being able to call on managerial great Ferguson for advice

Moyes appeared to be feeling the pressure after criticising the Premier League over the club's opening fixtures.

In an unexpected outburst, the Scot complained to the League, insisting: ‘I think it’s the hardest start for 20 years that United have had.

‘I hope it’s not because Manchester United won the League quite comfortably last season that the fixtures have been made much more difficult.’

Challenge: David Moyes has not had the easiest of beginnings to his career as United boss

‘The old manager told me those sort of things  happened,’ said Moyes last night. ‘I find it hard to believe that’s the way the balls came out of the bag, that’s for sure.’

While his comments about Ferguson were meant as a joke, they are not too far removed from the sort of mind games employed by his predecessor in the past.

A Premier League spokesman last night confirmed that Moyes had raised the issue and said: ‘We assured him the process is random and above board. He accepted those assurances.’