David Moyes Confirmed As Man Utd Manager
The current Everton boss signs a six-year contract with Manchester United to replace Sir Alex Ferguson as the club's manager.
04:48, UK,Thursday 09 May 2013
David Moyes has signed a six-year deal to replace Sir Alex Ferguson as the manager of Manchester United, the club has confirmed. The current Everton boss, who will take over on July 1, described his appointment as a "great honour".
Paying tribute to his fellow Scotsman, he said: "I am delighted that Sir Alex saw fit to recommend me for the job. I have great respect for everything he has done and for the football club.
"I know how hard it will be to follow the best manager ever, but the opportunity to manage Manchester United isn't something that comes around very often and I'm really looking forward to taking up the post next season."
Sir Alex, who is stepping down after 26 years in charge, said the club had "unanimously agreed" upon Moyes.
"David is a man of great integrity with a strong work ethic. I've admired his work for a long time and approached him as far back as 1998 to discuss the position of assistant manager here," he said.
"He was a young man then at the start of his career and has since gone on to do a magnificent job at Everton. There is no question he has all the qualities we expect of a manager at this club."
The appointment of Moyes was confirmed in a statement on Manchester United's website, in which co-chairman Joel Glazer praised his "hard-working style and steely determination".
However, the club inadvertently posted the announcement on their Facebook page, starting a flurry of activity on Twitter and other social media.
Sky Sports commentator Ray Wilkins said he was "delighted" for Moyes but added it would be important for the established players to rally around their new manager.
He told Sky News: "I am sure they will give David the utmost respect when he walks through the door because of the job he's done in his managerial career up to now."
Former England manager Steve McClaren told Sky Sports News: "He has a near identical work ethic, character, competitiveness to that of Sir Alex.
"He will have Sir Alex at his side and if they get on, as I know they do, it's the master and the apprentice."
Sir Alex, 71, guided United to 13 Premier League titles and two European Champions League crowns during his time in charge.
"The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly. It is the right time," he said.
"It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so."
Moyes' appointment as Sir Alex's successor ends speculation that Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho could be given the job.
http://news.sky.com/story/david-moyes-confirmed-as-man-utd-manager-10446337