Former Premier League referee Graham Poll admits he used to feel "a sense of relief" when Man United played well in and won games he officiated.
Writing in his Daily Mail column, Poll said:
"I would concede there was a sense of relief when United played well and won, particularly at Old Trafford.
"I knew if they didn't win there was every chance of seeing and, more importantly, hearing Ferguson and reading his comments about me in the papers the next day.
"All referees knew that Fergie's standing in the game - and the fact that he was at the biggest club - meant that when he unleashed the hairdryer on a referee there were inevitable headlines."
Poll also suggested David Moyes has to accept he cannot enjoy anything like the same intimidating effect he believes Sir Alex Ferguson enjoyed for many years.
"I fear another defeat for Moyes," he said.
"[Moyes] must accept that he does not have the same intimidating presence as his predecessor had."