Despite answering plenty of questions about Wayne Rooney’s future during his first press conference as Manchester United, David Moyes had lots more to say.
The 50-year-old Scotsman was coolness personified as he rattled through answers from the huge number of journalists assembled at Old Trafford.
One of the nicest anecdotes to come from the press conference was the story of how Moyes found out he was going to become the manager of Manchester United.
Moyes joked that he wasn’t given an option and recalls how Fergie invited him to his house and said, “I’m retiring, next week, and you are the next Manchster United manager.” Moyes said. “The blood drained from my face. I was really shocked but incredibly thrilled.”
Moyes also touched on the welcome he has received since arriving at United on July 1.
“Sir Alex and the board have been unbelievably supportive. Sir Bobby Charlton came in and saw me and I was thrilled about that. That was certainly something that I enjoyed.”
(MORE: Wayne Rooney not for sale, will remain at Manchester United)
Claims earlier today suggested that Sir Alex will be on the peripheral and won’t get involved in Moyes’ first few months at the helm. Some suggestions claimed that Ferguson would be in a private box out of the public eye to watch the first games of Moyes’ reign, in an attempt to not heap more pressure on the former Everton boss.
“I hope Sir Alex Ferguson is sitting in the directors box,” Moyes said. “He’s been so good. I’ve already called him for advice a couple of times on a couple of matters. I asked Rene to stay but he felt it was to fair on me to go it alone. The Glazers have been great since I got here and so has the new chief executive.”
(MORE: Ferguson aims to stay away as Moyes settles in at United)
And despite Ferguson’s departure as the main man at United, Moyes knows only too well that there will be constant reminders of the legend he has to follow.
“This a new era but Sir Alex Ferguson will never go away,” said Moyes. “He’ll always be here – you can see his statue, you can see his stand, and he’s certainly someone I’ll go to. Hopefully, the supporters will realise it was his time to finish and time for someone else.”
While the other man many believed was in the running for the United job was José Mourinho. And Moyes admitted he is excited to face Chelsea’s new manager this season.
“I’m really happy to see José back in the Premier league. For the first time there has been a big shake-up in the Premier League and I’m looking forward to being involved in it.”
