Manchester United picks Moyes

David Moyes will take over for Sir Alex Ferguson as the new manager of Manchester United, the club announced Thursday.

Moyes will stay on in his current role as Everton manager until the end of the season, and will formally replace Ferguson on July 1 with a six-year contract.

At the end of yet another league-winning season, Ferguson announced Wednesday that he is ending his glittering management career. The club released a statement quoting the 71-year-old Scot , explaining that his 26th full season at Manchester United would be his last.

Ferguson gave his full blessing to Moyes saying calling him a "man of great integrity with a strong work ethic."

"When we discussed the candidates that we felt had the right attributes we unanimously agreed on David Moyes," Ferguson said.

"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."

Moyes humbly accepted the position Thursday.

"It's a great honor to be asked to be the next manager of Manchester United," Moyes said in a statement. "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," he said.

hc/kms (AP, AFP)