ALEX FERGUSON wants David Moyes to succeed him as manager of Manchester United.
And he is backed by a host of Old Trafford legends who are calling for the
Everton boss to take over.
United were in turmoil last night after Fergie’s shock decision to retire, as predicted in yesterday’s Sun.
He has urged his board to move for fellow Scot Moyes, 50, who held emergency talks in London with Everton supremo Bill Kenwright.
Chairman Kenwright last night insisted no deal was in place and that Moyes would be in charge for the Toffees’ home game against West Ham on Sunday.
Kenwright also insisted the decision would be left with Moyes and revealed that he had not said farewell to any of the players.
But an announcement could still be made today. Moyes was the top choice among United legends Gary Neville, Denis Law and Peter Schmeichel.
Yet an exclusive Sun online poll showed most fans want Jose Mourinho.
The Special One received 40 per cent of the 65,000 votes, with Moyes getting 32 per cent.
And it is also understood there are boardroom fears of United’s share price plummeting if Moyes is put in charge of such a huge financial institution, as opposed to a glamorous appointment like Real Madrid boss Mourinho.
But former skipper Neville led the calls for Moyes to be appointed.
Red Nev said: “I would welcome the appointment of Moyes — somebody who is there for the long term.
“This club does not go for quick fixes.”
Goalkeeping legend Schmeichel, who won the Treble under Fergie in 1999, said: “When we talk about David Moyes, he’s been at Everton for more than a decade on limited funds and he’s done a fantastic job.
“You look at him and think stability and longevity — that’s an important thing for United.”
Michael Owen, one of Fergie’s shock signings when he arrived on a free in 2009, sees similarities in the United boss and Moyes.
He said: “What an act to follow. I guess only Mourinho would have the confidence to strut through the door.
“If it were me, I’d go for Moyes.”
Legends from before Ferguson’s era have also backed the Goodison manager.
Former striker Law said: “I would not be surprised if it’s Moyes. He has done a marvellous job at Everton.
“Alex had the European Cup Winners’ Cup that he won with Aberdeen but was not experienced in the European Cup either and, as we all know, he went on to win it.
“I think there is a time for all managers to be the first to do something and Moyes’ record has been excellent.”
Bobby Charlton, who will have a say in who is appointed, insists Champions League experience is not essential.
He said: “It depends who it is, everyone has different opinions.”
Former Old Trafford skipper Bryan Robson admitted: “The two on the list are Mourinho and Moyes — you’ve got the two extremes there.”The Sun
United were in turmoil last night after Fergie’s shock decision to retire, as predicted in yesterday’s Sun.
He has urged his board to move for fellow Scot Moyes, 50, who held emergency talks in London with Everton supremo Bill Kenwright.
Chairman Kenwright last night insisted no deal was in place and that Moyes would be in charge for the Toffees’ home game against West Ham on Sunday.
Kenwright also insisted the decision would be left with Moyes and revealed that he had not said farewell to any of the players.
But an announcement could still be made today. Moyes was the top choice among United legends Gary Neville, Denis Law and Peter Schmeichel.
Yet an exclusive Sun online poll showed most fans want Jose Mourinho.
The Special One received 40 per cent of the 65,000 votes, with Moyes getting 32 per cent.
And it is also understood there are boardroom fears of United’s share price plummeting if Moyes is put in charge of such a huge financial institution, as opposed to a glamorous appointment like Real Madrid boss Mourinho.
But former skipper Neville led the calls for Moyes to be appointed.
Red Nev said: “I would welcome the appointment of Moyes — somebody who is there for the long term.
“This club does not go for quick fixes.”
Goalkeeping legend Schmeichel, who won the Treble under Fergie in 1999, said: “When we talk about David Moyes, he’s been at Everton for more than a decade on limited funds and he’s done a fantastic job.
“You look at him and think stability and longevity — that’s an important thing for United.”
Michael Owen, one of Fergie’s shock signings when he arrived on a free in 2009, sees similarities in the United boss and Moyes.
He said: “What an act to follow. I guess only Mourinho would have the confidence to strut through the door.
“If it were me, I’d go for Moyes.”
Legends from before Ferguson’s era have also backed the Goodison manager.
Former striker Law said: “I would not be surprised if it’s Moyes. He has done a marvellous job at Everton.
“Alex had the European Cup Winners’ Cup that he won with Aberdeen but was not experienced in the European Cup either and, as we all know, he went on to win it.
“I think there is a time for all managers to be the first to do something and Moyes’ record has been excellent.”
Bobby Charlton, who will have a say in who is appointed, insists Champions League experience is not essential.
He said: “It depends who it is, everyone has different opinions.”
Former Old Trafford skipper Bryan Robson admitted: “The two on the list are Mourinho and Moyes — you’ve got the two extremes there.”The Sun
