‘Fergie-isms’ could surface as new Man United boss greets press

The world will be watching when David Moyes conducts his first press conference as Manchester United manager, as he prepares to fulfil the daunting task of succeeding arguably the greatest manager of all time.

And Ladbrokes punters can view proceedings with even more interest, after placing a bet on the former Everton’s chief use of certain phrases that grew synonymous with Ferguson during his Old Trafford tenure.

Moyes can be backed at 5/1 to quote ‘noisy neighbours’ at any time during his initial press conference, and justification of those odds certainly appear feasible.

Ferguson, believed to have hand-picked Moyes as his successor, frequently referred to Manchester City by this moniker in the latter years of his reign, as the Citizens grew into serious title rivals.

And as Moyes is guaranteed to be quizzed on his plan of action to remain ahead of the Sky Blues in the long term, those 5/1 odds look to have the potential to lead to a payout.

Meanwhile, in a similar vein, it is 6/1 that the former Preston chief refers to ‘the pride of Manchester’ during his unveiling, again a plausible scenario in light of United’s rivalry with the blue half of the city likely to prove a prominent topic of discussion.

It is less likely that old rivals Liverpool will be mentioned quite so frequently, so the 25/1 that Moyes repeats Ferguson’s declaration that he wished to ‘knock Liverpool off their perch’ is probably best avoided.

Also, the 33/1 that ‘squeaky bum time’ is referenced should be left alone, as Moyes embarks upon the most exciting of new chapters within a managerial career.

Of the longer priced options, there would appear to be scope only to the possibility of Moyes repeating Ferguson’s ‘football, bloody hell’ comment, originally coined in the aftermath of United’s seizing of the treble back in 1999.

It is 16/1 such an instance occurs in Moyes’ maiden press conference, with the chance he references the quote in jest regarding his ascension from Everton to the Red Devils a plausible scenario in which its use would feel fitting.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.