David Moyes set to be new Manchester United manager
Everton boss David Moyes is set to be appointed as the new manager
of Manchester United, following Sir Alex Ferguson's shock retirement.
9 May 2013
Talks are ongoing between
Manchester United and Everton over the release of Moyes. An announcement is
expected on Thursday, although that could slip to Friday. Ferguson, 71,
revealed his decision to step down on Wednesday after nearly 27 years in charge
at Old Trafford. Fellow Scot Moyes, 50, in charge at Goodison Park since 2002,
held talks with Toffees chairman Bill Kenwright on Wednesday evening.
Kenwright told Sky Sports News:
"At the end of the day, David's contract is up in six weeks' time and he
has a right to make his own decisions. He has served this club wonderfully
well."
Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has
also been linked with the task of replacing Ferguson but Moyes looks set to get
the job.
Wigan's Roberto Martinez and
Swansea's Michael Laudrup are thought to top Everton's list of potential
replacements should Moyes, as expected, be confirmed as United's next manager.
Kenwright added that he thought
Moyes would still be in charge of the Toffees on Sunday, when they entertain
West Ham for what would be the former Preston manager's final home game in
charge. Everton, who reached the FA Cup quarter-finals this season, are
currently sixth in the Premier League table, six points adrift of Tottenham in
fifth but five above Merseyside rivals Liverpool.
A number of high-profile football
names believe Moyes is the right man to replace Ferguson, who won 38 trophies
during his time at the United helm.
"He's cut from the same
cloth," said former United captain Steve Bruce. "It wouldn't surprise
me if he got the job and I'm sure he would be very successful.
"He's not had huge finances
but he has still managed to put an Everton team together that comfortably
finishes in the top 10."
Former United assistant manager
Steve McClaren added: "He's a winner and has a work ethic similar to Sir
Alex.
"He's also built a dynasty
and legacy at Everton. He's waited many years for this opportunity and I hope
he gets it."
Former England and Everton striker
Gary Lineker said Moyes would be a "sensible" appointment but said
expectations would be enormous.
"He is hugely respected
within the game and he will instantly get the respect of the players, but it's
the biggest pair of shoes you can follow," said the Match of the Day
presenter.
"He will always be judged
against someone with phenomenal success, but he will know that anyway.
"It is going to be
extraordinarily difficult for the next boss of Manchester United because, if it
goes wrong, the fans will let him know they are missing Sir Alex.
"However, you can still see
the allure of the job. It is one of the three biggest clubs in the world, so it
will always get big names wanting it."
Former United defender Gary
Neville also backed Moyes as a successor to Ferguson.
"I don't know if he's going
to be appointed, but I would welcome it," Neville, who won eight league
titles at United, told Sky Sports. "It makes sense."
Former Liverpool and Scotland
defender Alan Hansen thinks Moyes is the right man to replace Ferguson.
"David Moyes is the perfect
choice," he told BBC Sport. "He has done an incredible job at
Everton.
"He speaks well and knows the
game inside out. I think the Manchester United fans will take to him."
But former England striker Alan
Shearer believes the appointment of Moyes is a risk given he has not
won a trophy during 11 years in
charge at Everton.
"Anyone who has worked with
David Moyes says great things about his man-management and his coaching,"
Shearer told BBC Sport.
"The only thing you would say
is that he has not won a trophy at Everton.
"But I suppose anyone who
goes into Manchester United is a big gamble because it is going to be one heck
of a big pair of shoes to fill."
Former United manager Tommy
Docherty said he would "feel sorry" for Moyes should he be appointed.
"If it is David Moyes, then I
congratulate him and feel sorry for him," said Docherty. "How can you
follow the impossible?"
So what I think. I like this guy and he going to be another legend at Old Trafford. Previous entry about him here
