“I think you have heard me say enough times that you need good directors and good chairmen and I think from a distance that looks like what Middlesbrough have got.

“They have good people there and they are getting the rewards because they can see his team coming through and the manager is developing and getting more mature in his job and gaining confidence and he is doing very well.”

Moyes watched Middlesbrough’s 2-1 win at Aston Villa last week and said he was impressed - and worried - by the efficiency of their display.

Two goals for Tuncay Sanli helped Boro to a 2-1 victory over Martin O’Neill’s side and has convinced Moyes Boro possess a genuine threat to his team.

He added: “I have been impressed by Middlesbrough, their performance against Aston Villa was very good, they had a very good balance and shape to their side and they played well.

“They have some threats with Stewart Downing and Tuncay so they have players who are creative and good players.

“They were attacking and showed really good things going forward.

“To get a result at Aston Villa is no mean feat but as always we are the home side and we have to take the initiative.”