Image via lifesapitch.co.uk
Manchester United has confirmed the appointment of David Moyes after a day of expectation was finally concluded, following Sir Alex Ferguson‘s announcement of retiring at the end of the season. Moyes has been given a six year contract, which highlights the importance of long-term stability at Manchester United.
Moyes met with Everton chairman Bill Kenwright on Wednesday to discuss the situation, and the club released a statement confirming the Scot was ready to depart at the end of the season with the desire to join Manchester United.
United themselves released an accidental confirmation of the news via their Facebook page, where an application was set up to send messages to Moyes from fans. However, it was taken down within minutes. The hashtag ‘#UnitedContinued’ was promoted, with Ferguson’s ideology of always looking forward apparent even now.
It was a slight surprise that the club didn’t release the news earlier before the New York Stock Exchange opened on Thursday.
Initial rumours suggested that the race to replace Ferguson was between Moyes and Jose Mourinho, but it soon became apparent that United had their eyes on the Everton boss, with Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton the main figures involved in the decision making.
The selection is likely to confuse many given that Moyes has no silverware to his name during his time with Everton or Preston North End, but it is the values and similar mold to Ferguson which Moyes possesses that has seen him land what is arguably the biggest job in world football.
United are a global brand and an organisation with a reputation to maintain. A more dramatic and unstable character such as Mourinho would put that reputation in threat, where as Moyes has shown previous evidence in his career of continuity and professionalism, having led Everton to eight top half finishes over the past 10 years.
Ferguson and Moyes have a good relationship, having previously nearly worked together with the latter being an assistant and Ferguson almost tutoring him in the past. The two grew up in Scotland where they have both stated in the past they learned key values of life, which has put them in a good position for management.
The search for Moyes’ replacement at Everton now begins, with their statement reading: “Everton officials will start the search for a replacement manager immediately.”
Currently, it is believed that Roberto Martinez and Michael Laudrup are the stand-out candidates.
Stowe Gregory is an English featured Soccer and Sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him or tweet on Twitter @stowegregory. Or add to circles on Google
