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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