Advertisement
Press Association
David Moyes

David Moyes confirmed as new Manchester United manager

The Scot will pen a six-year deal at Old Trafford.

Updated 16.05

DAVID MOYES IS the new Manchester United manager.

The Old Trafford club have confirmed the news this afternoon, saying Moyes will pen a six-year deal.

“It’s a great honour to be asked to be the next Manager of Manchester United,” said Moyes. “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.

“I have had a terrific job at Everton, with a tremendous chairman and Board of Directors and a great set of players.  Between now and the end of the season, I will do everything in my power to make sure we finish as high as possible in the table.

“Everton’s fantastic fans have played a big part in making my years at Goodison so enjoyable and I thank them wholeheartedly for the support they have given me and the players.  Everton will be close to me for the rest of my life.”

Tributes

Born in Bearsden, a suburb of Glasgow, he becomes the eighth Scot to take over the Old Trafford hotseat.

“When we discussed the candidates that we felt had the right attributes we unanimously agreed on David Moyes,” said Alex Ferguson in a statement. “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 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.”

Earlier, Everton confirmed Moyes is set to leave at the end of the season. Moyes met chairman Bill Kenwright early yesterday evening and “confirmed his desire to join Manchester United,” Everton said this afternoon.

The Toffees will begin their search for a replacement immediately, with Wigan’s Roberto Martinez already installed as a short-priced favourite for the job. Moyes’ decision ends his run as the third longest-serving manager in the Premier League, an 11-year stint bettered only by Ferguson and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

“I have always said that we wanted the next manager to be a genuine Manchester United man,” said Bobby Charlton. “In David Moyes, we have someone who understands the things that make this such a special club. We have secured a man who is committed to the long-term and will build teams for the future as well as now. Stability breeds success.

“David has tremendous strength of character and recognises the importance of bringing young players through and developing them alongside world class talent.  At United, I think David will be able to express himself.  I’m delighted he has accepted.”

Although Moyes failed to win any trophies his time on Merseyside is widely considered to be a success as, with limited resources, he built a competitive squad and brought Champions League football back to Goodison Park in 2005/2006.

His best chance of silverware came in the 2009 FA Cup Final when Everton took the lead against Chelsea through a Louis Saha goal after just 25 seconds. But goals from Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard in either half denied Moyes his first winners’ medal at the top level.

Now he looks set to face the remarkable challenge of continuing Ferguson’s legacy and maintaining United’s status as one of world football’s superpowers.

More to follow

United jump Facebook gun, name David Moyes coach 15 minutes too soon

Your Voice
Readers Comments
125
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.