Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy believes David Moyes is the right choice for the Red Devils despite the persistent criticism centered on the Scot now at Old Trafford.

The retired Dutch forward attended a live chat with his Vietnamese fans during an event held by Tuoi Tre newspaper in Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday, where he received many questions regarding the Premier League club he served for five seasons from 2001 to 2006.

“Yes, I think so,” Van Nistelrooy replied almost immediately after being asked, through a translator, if Sir Alex Ferguson had chosen the right successor to take over his realm at Manchester United.

“I think he needs more time to rebuild the team and to bring United back to the top, where they belong,” the 38-year-old continued.

At a press conference prior to the online chat on the same day in Vietnam, Van Nistelrooy also said Manchester United are in a transitional period and people should give them more time.

Moyes, 51, officially took over the Red Devils under a six-year contract following the retirement of fellow countryman Ferguson in July 2013.

But his first season with United has proven tough for Moyes, who was always at the center of criticism following the club’s repeated failures. The Red Devils fans have turned on him, with many demanding he be sacked.

Under the Moyes regime, Manchester United are seventh on the table at the English Premier League after 32 games with 54 points, 17 points behind leaders Liverpool.

On January 5, United were knocked out of the FA Cup in the third round following a 1-2 home defeat by Swansea City. On January 22, they were again eliminated from the Football League Cup in the semi-final on penalty shootout at Sunderland.

Even so, Van Nistelrooy, who joined United for £19 million (US$31.5 million) in 2001 and scored 95 goals during his six years playing with them, apparently has great sympathy for Moyes and his former club.

“United will always be the greatest club in Britain and all players want to play for them.

“And in the end, I think David Moyes is capable of rebuilding the team and bringing them back to the top in the future,” he said during the online chat in the Southeast Asian country.

Van Nistelrooy also gave an immediate reply to a question regarding the possibility that Sir Alex might one day return to United as manager.

“No, I don’t think so.

“He retired for some reasons and he’ll stick to that.”

Bayern will win the Champions League

Despite his support of Moyes, the Dutchman admitted that United have little chance at the 2013-2014 UEFA Champions League, even though Moyes has recently defied critics with a 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich during their last-eight opener at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

“I think the away goal that Bayern Munich scored is a big advantage and Man Utd needs to be the winner to go through,” he said when asked to make a prediction for the second-leg game between the two on April 10.

“That will be very difficult because this season they are not in their best form.

“As I said before, they are in a transitional time.

“But in the end they will get better.

“They need some time,” he said, adding that the score would probably be 2-1 for the reigning European champions.

Van Nistelrooy also believes that the Bundesliga giants will make history to win two Champions League trophies in a row, although he was hoping one of his former clubs would make it this season.

“I know Real Madrid is looking to win the tenth trophy in its history…and also Man Utd, I want them to do well,” said the former Real Madrid striker who netted a total of 60 goals at the UEFA tournament in his career.

“But I think this year Bayern Munich is in favor and they will win again as they did last year and become the first team to win two years in a row.”

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