Welcome ... the football world reacts to news of Moyes's appointment. Source: Glyn Kirk / AFP
Manchester United duo Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick have welcomed the appointment of David Moyes at Old Trafford and paid tribute to his success at Everton.
After Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed his retirement following 26 years in charge, the Premier League club announced that Moyes would be his successor on Thursday.
And the early reaction from within the dressing room suggests that the players view the Everton boss, who will take up his new post on July 1, as the ideal man for the job.
Ferdinand, who has played under Ferguson for over a decade at Old Trafford, said: "It was important the club made a decision quickly and got it all sorted before people could start making rumours.
"The club have acted impeccably in that respect.
"It's great to see the new manager coming in, we've never had a problem with him here at United, he's a very honest man from the players you speak to and he's done a fantastic job at his previous club Everton.
"I'm sure he'll be very, very open and sympathetic to the traditions of the club and try and continue that and not come in and try and make crazy changes in terms of the whole characteristics of the club."
United and England midfielder Carrick has also been impressed by Moyes' work at Everton and is eagerly awaiting the start of a new era.
"He's done a terrific job at Everton," he said.
"He's been there a long time and has had great success with the resources he's had. It's obviously a big change because this club's been run for so long by one person.
"I'm really looking forward to meeting him and getting good training in pre-season and looking forward to a good future.
"He's honest and fair to his players as far as I'm aware. He sets high standards just as he expects high standards of ourselves."
Former Manchester United striker Sir Bobby Charlton has given his backing to new manager David Moyes as well.
"I have always said that we wanted the next manager to be a genuine Manchester United man," said Charlton.
"In David Moyes, we have someone who understands the things that make this such a special club.
"We have secured a man who is committed to the long-term and will build teams for the future as well as now. Stability breeds success.
"David has tremendous strength of character and recognises the importance of bringing young players through and developing them alongside world class talent.
"At United, I think David will be able to express himself.
"I am delighted he has accepted and I'm looking forward to working with him.".
Other reaction:
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio: "After 12 years at Everton, he has proved the quality and the style he has got because we all know you have to have a specific style.
"Manchester United is not only about a winning mentality, the style is important, and I think Moyes has proved he deserves to go one step forward and work at the top level.
"In my opinion, he's the right man - only time will tell if he is right, but in my opinion, David has done an amazing job in the last 12 years at Everton."
Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez: "He's a good manager. I think that he will have a very good team, so I'm sure he will compete at the top and he can win trophies with a big club," said Benitez.
Aston Villa's Paul Lambert: "Absolutely fabulous manager. I think if anybody can do it, and keep the continuity, David can do it. I think he will be able to handle it, no problem."
QPR chief Harry Redknapp: "It is a fantastic opportunity for David. He has worked hard for the last ten years at Everton. It is difficult to follow Sir Alex but it is good to see a lad like David, who has done his time in the lower leagues as well, get such an opportunity."
Steve McClaren: "I think it's a fantastic appointment. He has a near identical work ethic, character, competitiveness to that of Sir Alex but he's got that longevity at Everton - to build a club and sustain that success year in, year out, at their level.
"The key thing is he will have Sir Alex at the side of him and if they get on, as I know they do, it's the master and the apprentice. He has to be open to that help. The experience Sir Alex has got will be invaluable.
"United had a plan. It's not about short-term success, it's not about sustaining it for the next one or two years, it's the next 26 years. He could be the next manager to do that. That's how they're thinking."
