They are some mighty big shoes to fill but David Moyes is now officially replacing Alex Ferguson at Manchester United next season.
The odds on his appointment cascaded since the story first began to circulate at the weekend and once again those canny bookies have got it spot on. David Moyes, Everton manager for the past 11 seasons, is now officially the new man at the helm in Old Trafford.
Moyes has been given a six-year deal and in a statement on the club website, Alex Ferguson welcomed his appointment.
“When we discussed the candidates that we felt had the right attributes we unanimously agreed on David 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 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.”
And the man himself, David Moyes, says: “It’s a great honour to be asked to be the next Manager of Manchester United. 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.”
Formally announced today, the appointment brings up a huge set of questions such as; how will Moyes do with real money, how will he fare in Europe, how will he get on with former charge Wayne Rooney (if he’s still there) and can he perfect Fergie Time gestures over the closed season.
The Scot faces a mammoth task to replace the man who defined English football for the last two decades and who won 13 titles in his time at Old Trafford. He has shown lots of steel in his time at Goodison. The demand for added flair, a must at Old Trafford under Fergie, could be his bigest test.
