What Moyes needs to do

1. Find the secret to everlasting youth

Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidi are two of the finest defenders to have ever graced the Premier League.

However, their powers are very much on the wane. Ferdinand's long-standing spinal issues have led to the unkind nickname of "Glass Back". Vidic, meanwhile, missed also a year of action between in 2012, and has been unable to raise his game to since.

Moyes needs to find the serum that will enable the aging duo to roll back the years.

2. Ban Fergie from Old Trafford

It sounds harsh to ban a pensioner from the scene of his greatest triumphs, but the legendary man is becoming a ghostly presence for Moyes. Whenever United concede a goal, the TV cameras pan to the directors' box to gauge the reaction of the most decorated manager in English football.

He should politely ask Fergie to watch the games from the comfort of his rocking chair rather than cast an enormous shadow over his efforts in this "transitional" period.

3. Forge allies in Fleet Street

How often do Fleet Street's finest hacks slate Harry Redknapp?

Hardly ever, even when his side is in a right, royal mess, as QPR were last season. Affable Harry is always good for a giggle, great for a quote and he's never offside in the eyes of the top football writers.

Moyes needs to get the big hitters dancing to his tune, even if it means briefing them off the record that the mess at Old Trafford is all Fergie's fault for leaving him with an aging, unbalanced squad that have been lacking a midfield general since Owen Hargreaves' knees packed up.

4. Inspire Luis Nani to become the new Ronaldo

After all, that was the moniker he arrived with six long years ago.

The Portuguese winger is beyond frustrating. By 2010, it looked as though he'd broken through and established himself as a genuine United superstar following a virtuoso display in a 3-1 win over Arsenal.

But, his inconsistency has led to him becoming the player fans love to hate, along with Ashley Young.

Asked for his reaction to the news of Nani signing a new five-year deal in September, one fan said: "Great. Another five years of inconsistency, injuries and c*** crosses".

6. Buy a new left back

But not Leighton Baines.

The Everton defender turned 29 this week, so any re-sale value would be negligible.

Plus there's the pressure that would be heaped upon him due to his longstanding connection to Moyes and the non-trailblazing Marouane Fellaini.

If Moyes is to replace Patrice Evra, who is proving to be much more influential in the opposition penalty box than his own, then Baines' understudy at Goodison Park, Costa Rican Bryan Oviedo, looks as good an attacking fullback as any, and would cost a fraction of the fee.

7. Get rid of the dead wood

Young, Anderson, Fabio, Nani, Federico Macheda and Bebe are players who have tried and ultimately failed to establish themselves as United first-team players, while the jury is still out on midfielder Tom Cleverley (left), who needs a big, big season.

Moyes should cut his losses and move them on in order to streamline his bloated squad and allow room for fresh faces.

8. Pray for another Class of '92

A documentary film charting the rise and rise of David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and the Neville brothers has just been released to widespread acclaim.

For Moyes, it's another reminder of how his predecessor was given a huge lift by the emergence of so many world-class stars from one vintage youth team. He will be desperately hoping that Under-18 manager Paul McGuinness can unearth a merry band of fledgling stars. Larnell Cole and Ryan Tunicliffe are two players being tipped for big things.

9. Win the League Cup

The big question mark against David Moyes' appointment at United was the fact that he'd never won a trophy during his 15-year managerial career, other than a League One title back in 2000 with Preston North End.

However, the League Cup represents the perfect opportunity to launch that particularly monkey off his back - not that we advocate animal cruelty in any way.

10. Sign Kevin Strootman

The midfield general and playmaker should have been the heir-apparent to Roy Keane when he left PSV Eindhoven at the end of last season.

However, the Dutch international (below) slipped through United's fingers and joined Serie A side Roma for a fee of £17m ($34m).

United's need to strengthen their engine room is as conspicuous as a Hawaiian shirt at a state funeral. Fellaini has failed to deliver, and not even he seems sure what his best position is. United coach Phil Neville watched Strootman in Holland's recent international friendly with Colombia, and there are rumours of a £30m ($60m) bid. Or maybe £29.9m plus Young.

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