Manchester, England – Manchester United wasted little time filling the void left by Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement as the club appointed David Moyes as its new manager on Thursday.
Ferguson announced his retirement from football management on Wednesday, but the newly-crowned English champions learned the identity of their new boss just one day later as the Manchester United Board unanimously approved the appointment of Moyes.
Moyes, who was Ferguson's recommendation to take the post, has been the Everton manager since 2002 after a successful spell at the helm of Preston North End.
"When we discussed the candidates that we felt had the right attributes we unanimously agreed on David Moyes," Ferguson said 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."
Moyes, 50, has committed his future to United with a six-year deal, taking effect on July 1.
"It's a great honor to be asked to be the next manager of Manchester United," Moyes 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."
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