Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of David Moyes as their new manager on a six-year contract. “It’s a great honour to be asked to be the next manager of Manchester United,” Moyes said in a statement released by his new employers. “I am delighted that Sir Alex saw fit to recommend me for the job. I have great respect for everything he has done 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,” he added. The enormous length of Moyes’ contract offers an insight into why United did not wish to appoint Jose Mourinho.