David Moyes will succeed Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager.
The Scot will take over at Old Trafford following the expiry of his contract with Everton at the end of the season, becoming the club’s first new boss in 27 years.
Ferguson announced his retirement from football on Wednesday and is set to leave after overseeing his final two fixtures against Swansea and West Brom.
Moyes, meanwhile, will join United after Everton have rounded off their Premier League season by taking on West Ham and Chelsea.
He told the club’s official website: “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.”
The outgoing Ferguson confirmed that he had chosen his compatriot to follow in his footsteps and has every faith that Moyes will bring success to Old Trafford.
He said: “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.”
United legend Bobby Charlton also backed Moyes to succeed at the club, and believes the 50-year-old’s focus on developing young players will continue in his new role.
“I have always said that we wanted the next manager to be a genuine Manchester United man,” Charlton added.
“In David Moyes, we have someone who understands the things that make this such a special club. We have secured a man who is committed to the long-term and will build teams for the future as well as now. Stability breeds success.
“David has tremendous strength of character and recognises the importance of bringing young players through and developing them alongside world-class talent.
“At United, I think David will be able to express himself. I’m delighted he has accepted and I’m looking forward to working with him.”
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