David Moyes
Moyes appointment the right choice, says Charlton.

Sir Bobby Charlton insists Manchester United made the correct decision in appointing David Moyes as manager.

The Scot was named Sir Alex Ferguson's successor last summer but the club's dismal attempt to defend their Premier League title has seen his future at Old Trafford come under scrutiny.

United currently lie in seventh place, 18 points off league leaders Chelsea and 11 off fourth placed Arsenal. Ahead of Tuesday's Manchester derby, United sit 12 points behind their city neighbours with little for Moyes' side to play for domestically in the remaining eight games of the season.

United legend Charlton admits United's season has been woeful, but has ruled out the possibility of the club having a change of heart over Moyes' appointment.

"It doesn't mean we are going to change everything. I'm absolutely certain that we picked the right man," Charlton was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

The circumstances surrounding the visit of Manchester City to Old Trafford are a stark contrast to the same fixture last season. Roberto Mancini's side walked away with three points after a Sergio Aguero-inspired 2-1 win last April, but it was only enough to reduce United's lead at the top of the league to 12 points as they marched on to claim a 20<sup>th league title.

Although the scenario this season may be very different, a win can still help restore some positivity around Old Trafford.

"We are trying our best to make sure that we can beat them," Charlton continued.

"If we can, it will be a tremendous stride because we've had a bit of criticism leading up to this, but I never doubt Manchester United."

Given the impact he has delivered upon this fixture in the past, much will be expected from Wayne Rooney in Tuesday's derby, especially given the absence of Robin van Persie.

The 27-year-old's brace against West Ham United on Saturday moved him up to third in United's all-time top goal scorer's charts, with just Charlton and Denis Law ahead of him.

Rooney is just 37 goals off Charlton's long standing United record, but the former midfielder has given the United striker his blessing to take the title.

"I have said before I have no problem with Wayne Rooney breaking my goal scoring record here and for England," Charlton told United's official website. "Not at all. Actually, I told him to do it as quickly as he could! He's a great striker and a great player – as hard as nails too.

"I didn't really think about the record – remember I played on the wing and in midfield as well – but I've already said to him that I expect I'll be the one who has to present him with any award so he needs to make sure he does it!"