Paul McGrath on how even old warhorse Alex Ferguson could learn from the dynamic Everton boss

Maybe I'm a bit biased being a Chelsea fan, but if the manager of the year award were mine to give it would go to Jose Mourinho, with David Moyes just a small way behind. Mourinho's influence on the season doesn't really need to be talked about any more, but this week Moyes showed the strength of character he has.

To see him after the game against United this week standing up to Alex Ferguson was refreshing. He stood there and gave it back. Most young managers would be a bit daunted by Alex's reputation, but Moyes was making a statement. He's the boss of Everton and considers himself to be on an equal footing with the bosses of every other Premiership club.

As for United, they were a sad sight during the week. Like a lot of other people I wish Alex had retired back when he said he was going to. At least then his record would be set in stone and United would have the problem of finding an act to follow him.

This year he is competing against his own legacy. If United don't win the FA Cup next month this will be classed as a disastrous season. Even if they do, it will be viewed as a poor season. That's the mark of the man: since he turned Manchester United around trophies have been flying in the door.

This year things haven't been right, though. I honestly believe things happening off the pitch in terms of takeover talk and unrest among the fans has distracted the players. On the field, there's been enough to put up with as well. Roy isn't getting any younger and he hasn't the legs to drag them through games. Around him you don't see the fight that, say, Everton had the other night.

With things being as bad as they are I'd actually like Alex to stay on for another year now, for his own sake. He should be allowed to spend a little money over the summer, and when he eventually does go leave a team behind him that's ready to take off again.

They look like they are in turmoil right now, but I think Manchester United next year could come back far harder and stronger. Meanwhile Alex - like any other manager in the Premiership - could take a look at Everton and what has been achieved there.

I've always had a healthy respect for Everton. Through the years with Manchester United and Villa I always thought of them as the bogey team. Lineker was at his peak when I was in my early time with United and it set a pattern. If you look back at the period from 1983 through to the the end of the decade, I think we played Everton 17 times (apart from the 1985 FA Cup final) and won just once. Lineker scored a hatful of goals against us, and I can remember the lads going to Goodison once early in my time at United and getting beaten 5-0.

In terms of what they had and where they were then, Everton have underachieved in the past few years. They were the team which lost out the most, perhaps, when the European ban came in, keeping them out of Europe at their peak. To see them four points in front of Liverpool with a game in hand as the race for a Champions League spot hots up will please a lot of Evertonians with long memories.

Moyes has done such a good job in getting ordinary players to respond to him and in using players who will do a simple job for him. I was with Lee Carsley at Derby and you always knew there he'd put his boot in when it was needed, and his elbow, too, if necessary. Jim Smith knew what he was getting out of him but not too many people noticed. Moyes has taken Lee to another level.

Tim Cahill had a few years at Millwall where nobody took too much notice. He has been a revelation for Moyes. Right through the team you see stories like that. David Weir is one of those players cocky strikers think they'll score a bagful against. Yet he does things players 10 years younger can't. He should be a soft touch at his age but he's not.

He's had to step up to the plate this season, raise his game again and again. He's been magnificent. Nigel Martyn's career should be on the slippery slope: he's looking at the Champions League.

I also admire the way Moyes has used Duncan Ferguson. The legs aren't there for Duncan anymore but the spirit is. I remember playing against him and if you won the first header he'd turn and tell you that was the last header you'd win.

He seemed to be a foot taller than me back then and I didn't like upsetting him. Now he usually comes on late in the game. A nightmare for defenders. Imagine it. Quarter of an hour to go, you think you're cruising towards the full-time whistle and you see him coming on, that size and that aggression. Kills you.

This week they outfought United and got a win they deserved. Wayne Rooney got a bit of attention which he must have expected, but Everton have moved on already. They've even produced a new sensation who is the youngest Premiership goalscorer.

Who would have bet on it? A few years ago it looked like Everton were heading towards the sort of mess Leeds got themselves into. No direction, no money. Since then they've put good people in charge, not just Moyes but above him in the boardroom.

They might be the first club to sell their way to success instead of buying it. The money from Rooney and other transfers has gone on housekeeping at the club, there's been no silly money splashed out.

Moyes has given the example which will provide hope to other sides. A lot of other chairmen are looking around now and wondering: if Everton can do it, why can't they?. The answer is to look for players who are hungry, who are spirited. Give them the right manager and it shows on the pitch.

How long will Moyes be there? A long time, I hope. He can build something at Everton. Of course, as he gets success he will be mentioned as a successor to Ferguson. I know Alex himself touts Roy to step into his shoes one day, but people will be wondering what Moyes could do with a few shillings behind him.

Martin O'Neill would still be my choice. I've known Martin over the years and he will always get players who want to play for him and do their best for him. People mention Steve Bruce, too, but I think Steve needs a little bit more of an apprenticeship.

When it comes to the crunch, though, Moyes' name will be in there. I hope, for Everton's supporters he'll stay. I've been there so many times over the years, I've even gone back to Goodison watching games. They are great and funny people. Good crack and always proud that their club, which gets so little attention compared to the neighbours, manages to survive and compete.

For them to be in the Champions League would be such a shot in the arm. There's a little work for them to do over the next month, they'll have to fight and fight to the end, but they have a manager who will coax it out of them. One of the good news stories of the year.