TONY Pulis is backing David Moyes to come good for Manchester United after a tricky start to life in the Old Trafford hot-seat for Alex Ferguson’s successor.

Pulis’ rejuvenated Crystal Palace host the champions this weekend at Selhurst Park and few would regard it is a major shock were they to beat the Red Devils for the first time ever in the Premier League.

With United already trailing leaders Chelsea by 15 points, out of both domestic cups and inn serious danger of not even qualifying for next year’s Champions League, it has certainly been a baptism of fire for Moyes following his summer switch from Everton.

However, Pulis reckons he will be given time to put things right and feels Ferguson’s replacement has endured some genuine bad luck so far.

The SE25 manager explained: “The one thing I’ll say now is although David has had a tough start at Manchester United they’ve got some outstanding players.

“I’ve watched the last three games on tapes that they’ve played and they could have won the games comfortably.

“The things they are not getting is last year with Sir Alex, and I think he will be the first one to say it, they did have breaks.

“They never played as well as what they did the previous year but they had the breaks and they’ve won the games, and that momentum took them forward.

“Unfortunately with Dave they haven’t had the breaks so they’ve not been able to pick up momentum.”

Pulis added: “They have wonderful players, it is a wonderful football club and we are proud to host them on Saturday.

“In time David will turn it the way he wants it.

“You’ve got to give him time, you’ve got to give him the opportunity to do it, just like they gave Sir Alex when he first came into the job.

“They gave him the opportunity and the chance to turn the club around and it is a proper football club.

“The people behind the scenes will give David that time, irrespective of what the press and the media will say.

“He couldn’t be at a better club with better people because they’ve been there before, albeit 25 years ago, but they were in this position before.”

Palace’s only injury doubt for the clash with Manchester United concerns Jerome Thomas, whose fitness will be assessed tomorrow.

Follow @NewsShopperSprt on Twitter for live updates from Crystal Palace v Manchester United on Saturday (5.30pm kick-off)