Transcript of First Press Conference as Manchester United Manager (July 5, 2013) David Moyes (Ft. Manchester United FC)
As you sit here as Manchester United manager, how proud do you feel?
'I am incredibly privileged to be given the opportunity to manage Manchester United and grateful to Sir Alex and the board for making it happen. It was a really strange situation for me. I had no idea whatsoever. I knew nothing until Sir Alex gave me a call and asked me to come to his house.
'I was expecting him to say "I'm going to take one of your players" or something along those lines. I went in and the first thing he said to me was "I'm retiring". I said when because he was never retiring and he said next week. And his next words were "you're the next Manchester United manager". So I didn't get the chance to say yes or no. I was told that I was the next Manchester United manager and that was enough.
'As you can imagine, the blood drained from my face. I was really shocked. More shocked that Sir Alex had chosen to retire. But inside I was incredibly thrilled that I was going to be given the chance to manage Manchester United.'
Did you ever think that you had a chance at replacing Sir Alex as manager?
'For any football manager or coach who wants to manage, this is the place to be. I hoped when Sir Alex's days were up, I would be a consideration. I also think it's a plus for English coaches.You might have to work through the lower leagues, which I did at Preston, and if it goes well for you, you get an opportunity. From that point of view, people will think if I can do it, they can do it too.'
How daunting is it to take over from one of the most successful managers the world has seen?
'Whoever was going to take over this job knows what the manager did before. The manager before was incredible. His achievements, well there are no better. All I can do is what David Moyes has done before. I will definitely continue the traditions of Manchester United, but I have to put my own stamp on the club.
'I'm very fortunate I'm taking over the champions of England, so that gives me a great start, better than most would get. Sir Bobby Charlton came to see me and I was as thrilled about that as anything. He came in and saw me at the training centre and that was amazing for me.'
You have been given a long-term six year contract - how much confidence does that give you?
'I have found the people at the club fantastic. They want continuity and longevity - the Glazers and Ed Woodward see it as a long-term thing. I need to say a big thank you to Bill Kenwright and Everton. I'm sure he understands I had to make this move. The Glazers and Ed Woodward have been excellent. The players have too. You can imagine the size of the job.
'I need to say a big thank you to the former manager's old staff - Rene Meulensteen, Mike Phelan and Eric Steele, who have left the club. I asked Rene to stay but he felt it most fair that he moved on and let me stamp my own authority on the team.'
Can you replicate Sir Alex's success?
'I am incredibly privileged to be given the opportunity to manage Manchester United and grateful to Sir Alex and the board for making it happen. It was a really strange situation for me. I had no idea whatsoever. I knew nothing until Sir Alex gave me a call and asked me to come to his house.
'I was expecting him to say "I'm going to take one of your players" or something along those lines. I went in and the first thing he said to me was "I'm retiring". I said when because he was never retiring and he said next week. And his next words were "you're the next Manchester United manager". So I didn't get the chance to say yes or no. I was told that I was the next Manchester United manager and that was enough.
'As you can imagine, the blood drained from my face. I was really shocked. More shocked that Sir Alex had chosen to retire. But inside I was incredibly thrilled that I was going to be given the chance to manage Manchester United.'
Did you ever think that you had a chance at replacing Sir Alex as manager?
'For any football manager or coach who wants to manage, this is the place to be. I hoped when Sir Alex's days were up, I would be a consideration. I also think it's a plus for English coaches.You might have to work through the lower leagues, which I did at Preston, and if it goes well for you, you get an opportunity. From that point of view, people will think if I can do it, they can do it too.'
How daunting is it to take over from one of the most successful managers the world has seen?
'Whoever was going to take over this job knows what the manager did before. The manager before was incredible. His achievements, well there are no better. All I can do is what David Moyes has done before. I will definitely continue the traditions of Manchester United, but I have to put my own stamp on the club.
'I'm very fortunate I'm taking over the champions of England, so that gives me a great start, better than most would get. Sir Bobby Charlton came to see me and I was as thrilled about that as anything. He came in and saw me at the training centre and that was amazing for me.'
You have been given a long-term six year contract - how much confidence does that give you?
'I have found the people at the club fantastic. They want continuity and longevity - the Glazers and Ed Woodward see it as a long-term thing. I need to say a big thank you to Bill Kenwright and Everton. I'm sure he understands I had to make this move. The Glazers and Ed Woodward have been excellent. The players have too. You can imagine the size of the job.
'I need to say a big thank you to the former manager's old staff - Rene Meulensteen, Mike Phelan and Eric Steele, who have left the club. I asked Rene to stay but he felt it most fair that he moved on and let me stamp my own authority on the team.'
Can you replicate Sir Alex's success?
Comments (0)
The minimum comment length is 50 characters.
Information
Users of Guests are not allowed to comment this publication.
There are no comments yet. You can be the first!