David Moyes would not allow Sir Alex Ferguson to interfere in his new managerial reign at Manchester United, according to Louis Saha.
Former United striker Saha believes board member Ferguson and new manager Moyes can form a powerful alliance at Old Trafford.
Saha expects Moyes to be given time to guide Manchester United into a new era, following Ferguson's summer retirement after 27 years at the helm.
Former United captain Roy Keane claimed in a recent ITV documentary that Ferguson is still trying to exert "control and power" at Old Trafford.
But 35-year-old Saha, who scored 42 goals in 124 appearances at United, does not believe Ferguson would intentionally tread on Moyes' toes.
Saha said: "Roy Keane has huge respect for Manchester United, but he always has had the quality of speaking his mind.
"I don't think if something has been done by Sir Alex Ferguson it's to disrupt anything, it's to give help and advice.
"Controlling everything, I don't think David Moyes would accept that.
"He likes to do things his own way, and that's for sure that he will listen to advice but I don't think he will let anyone else control what happens at the club."
Manchester United sit eighth in the Barclays Premier League table, already 10 points behind leaders Arsenal just 16 games into the season.
United take on Stoke in the Capital One Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday, where Moyes will hope a victory can spark an all-round resurgence.
Saha backed Moyes to add an attacking dimension at United to the defensive grit he showed as Everton boss.
"It is a strength having both of them (Moyes and Ferguson) there," said Saha, who played under Moyes for over three seasons at Goodison Park.
"One has freshness and the other has massive experience.
"Manchester United has a big, big image for English football.
"But I really think those two can work well together.
"David Moyes was at a club before with a very tough, defensive image.
"Now he needs to go forward and score more goals; that's something you have to put into your tactics in a way, but I think he can do it."
Now retired after a distinguished 16-year career that yielded more than 100 first-class goals, the 20-cap France forward has embarked on a new challenge as a football agent.
Working for English company Stellar Group, Saha aims to mentor France's stars of the future.
He said: "I've been looking for players in France and Europe, to make sure they are looked after.
"My way is to make sure they don't make the same mistakes as me and to give them advice on the pitch.
"Along the way you have to make mistakes, you have to take some time and learn, that's part of the process.
"What I want to make sure is that youngsters understand the new direction football is taking, new technology seems to put more pressure on them, so to make them aware of that, and to try to teach them a proper example.
"And also I'm scouting for real talent."
Saha said he will keep urging French stars to try their hand in the Premier League, not that he thinks they will need convincing.
He said: "The Premier League is such an El Dorado for players, even players in Spain and Germany at some point look to play in the Premier League.
"The level of commitment you can get here you can't find elsewhere, the fan base is amazing, it's quick play, non-stop chance after chance.
"Goalkeepers and defenders get their reward too, and it's a dream for French players.
"It's obvious that over the years French players love it.
"It definitely helps the French national side too.
"To learn another speed, another way of thinking, that's why I'd advise players to look to play abroad at some stage."
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