“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.
“There is no question he has all the qualities we expect of a manager at this club.”
Moyes, who was recommended to the United board by Ferguson and will be introduced as Red Devils boss in “due course”, said it was “a great honour” to be appointed as the new manager of the Premier League champions.