Report: Moyes to replace Ferguson in next few days

This is no secret in the soccer world, Manchester United have been lining up David Moyes to replace Sir Alex Ferguson for many years now.

And that could all come to fruition within the next 48 hours, according to reports this morning. Some believe Moyes could be announced as the new United manager very soon.

UPDATE: BBC Sport’s chief soccer writer Phil McNulty tweeted that it’s possible we will get official word on Moyes’s appointment as soon as tomorrow.

https://twitter.com/philmcnulty/status/332227958758592513/

Many bookmakers in the UK have already stopped taking bets on Moyes succeeding Ferguson in the hot-seat at Old Trafford, with his odds slashed overnight as it appeared an announcement on Ferguson’s future was imminent.

Speaking within the last few minutes, Manchester United chief executive David Gill, told MUTV: “We have to look forward now and I think any manager coming in will inherit a great squad and great staff around him. It is a dream job. I won’t speculate on the announcement but I think we will move relatively quickly.”

With all fingers pointing towards Moyes, it seems as though United are looking for further stability, after Sir Matt Busby and Ferguson managed the club for 50 years between them.

“In Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex we got in managers who got involved in all aspects of the club. That degree of loyalty is crucial to the success of Manchester United. He (the next manager) needs the required football experience in terms of domestic and European requirements, so it is a small pool.”

(More: What they’re saying about Ferguson’s retirement)

So would Moyes be a good fit? Absolutely. I already mentioned in a previous post naming the contenders for the role, that Moyes’ Scottish grit and character are extremely similar to Ferguson’s. Plus Moyes has had an incredible grounding and a successful time at Everton, just as Fergie did at Aberdeen before moving onto Manchester United.

He knows the EPL inside out, has worked with Ferguson closely in the past — with many of United’s youngsters gaining valuable experience in the lower divisions on loan with Moyes’ Preston North End side — and he is the leading contender to take over at Manchester United.

(More: Ferguson retires from Manchester United, who should replace him?)

Moyes’ career arc would see him follow a path similar to Ferguson’s and many believe that he should get the chance to showcase his managerial talent on the European stage with arguably the worlds biggest club. Ferguson will still be in the background, but it is unlikely that he will interfere in team matters.

The current Everton manager is believed to be under contract until the end of the current EPL season, however an announcement on any new appointment should come in the next few days, as United must inform the New York Stock Exchange of managerial decisions, just as they did prior to Ferguson’s retirement.

Watch this space, a new Scot could be in charge at United before you know it.