David Moyes has been appointed as manager of Manchester United on a six-year contract, the English Premier League champions said on Thursday. Moyes, the current Everton manager, will take charge of United from July 1. He succeeds Alex Ferguson who is retiring this month after more than 26 years at United. “We unanimously agreed on David Moyes,” said Ferguson, who announced his retirement on Wednesday after 26 years as United boss.
“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.
“There is no question he has all the qualities we expect of a manager at this club.”
Moyes, who will be introduced as United boss in “due course”, said it was “a great honour” to be appointed as the new manager of the Premier League champions.
“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.”
Moyes also paid tribute to current club Everton and vowed to remain fully committed until the end of the 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.”
Everton said in a statement: “The chairman, on behalf of the club, would like to place on record his thanks to David for the massive contribution he has made to Everton since his arrival in March 2002. He has been an outstanding manager.”
Moyes was installed as favourite to leave Everton for United following a rush of bets over the weekend, even before speculation mounted about Ferguson’s retirement.
Ferguson, who stays at Old Trafford as a director and ambassador, has had a close relationship with his successor throughout his managerial career and considered appointing him as his assistant when Moyes was in charge at Preston North End.
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