David Moyes set to be new Manchester United Manager

An announcement could be made on Thursday.

Ferguson, 71, revealed his decision to step down on Wednesday after nearly 27 years in charge at Old Trafford.

Fellow Scot Moyes, in charge at Goodison Park since 2002, held talks with Toffees chairman Bill Kenwright on Wednesday evening.

Kenwright told Sky Sports News: "At the end of the day, David's contract is up in six weeks' time and he has a right to make his own decisions. He has served this club wonderfully well."

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has also been linked with the task of replacing Ferguson but Moyes looks set to get the job.

Wigan's Roberto Martinez and Swansea's Michael Laudrup are thought to top Everton's list of potential replacements should Moyes, as expected, be confirmed as United's next manager.

The Scot, 50, is expected to tell Everton players and staff of his decision to join United at a training ground meeting on Thursday morning.

Kenwright added that he thought Moyes would still be in charge of the Toffees on Sunday, when they entertain West Ham for what would be the former Preston manager's final home game in charge.

Everton, who reached the FA Cup semi-finals this season, are currently sixth in the Premier League table, six points adrift of Tottenham in fifth but five above Merseyside rivals Liverpool.

A number of high-profile football names believe Moyes is the right man to replace Ferguson, who won 38 trophies during his time at the United helm.

"He's cut from the same cloth," said former United captain Steve Bruce. "It wouldn't surprise me if he got the job and I'm sure he would be very successful.

"He's not had huge finances but he has still managed to put an Everton team together that comfortably finishes in the top 10."

Former United assistant manager Steve McClaren added: "He's a winner and has a work ethic similar to Sir Alex.

"He's also built a dynasty and legacy at Everton. He's waited many years for this opportunity and I hope he gets it."

Former England and Everton striker Gary Lineker said Moyes would be a "sensible" appointment but said expectations would be enormous.

"He is hugely respected within the game and he will instantly get the respect of the players, but it's the biggest pair of shoes you can follow," said the Match of the Day presenter.

"He will always be judged against someone with phenomenal success, but he will know that anyway.

"It is going to be extraordinarily difficult for the next boss of Manchester United because, if it goes wrong, the fans will let him know they are missing Sir Alex.

"However, you can still see the allure of the job. It is one of the three biggest clubs in the world, so it will always get big names wanting it."

Former United defender Gary Neville also backed Moyes as a successor to Ferguson.

"I don't know if he's going to be appointed, but I would welcome it," Neville, who won eight league titles at United, told Sky Sports. "It makes sense."

But former England striker Alan Shearerbelieves the appointment of Moyes was a risk given he has not won a trophy during 11 years in charge at Everton.

"Anyone who has worked with David Moyes says great things about his man-management and his coaching," Shearer told BBC Sport.

"The only thing you would say is that he has not won a trophy at Everton.

"But I suppose anyone who goes into Manchester United is a big gamble because it is going to be one heck of a big pair of shoes to fill."

Former United manager Tommy Docherty said he would "feel sorry" for Moyes should he be appointed.

"If it is David Moyes, then I congratulate him and feel sorry for him," said Docherty. "How can you follow the impossible?"

Manchester United Set a New Direction Together with Moyes?

Manchester United will ensure completeness of the club's legacy remains lit as manager Alex Ferguson handed over to David Moyes.

Everton manager does not have a record of major titles in his career, but has long been noted Ferguson, who is also his fellow Scot.

Moyes is said to have held talks with Everton chairman, Bill Kenwright, who has no objection to today's managers want to immigrate to the United.

"David contracts will expire in six weeks and he is entitled to determine his future after this." he told Sky Sports television stations.

For 11 years at the helm of Everton, Moyes, 50, has shown his loyalty to his team.

Fergie Finally Retires

Alex Ferguson will leave his post as manager of Manchester United at the end of this season when he announces his intention to retire today after 26 years at Old Trafford.

Announcements Ferguson, 71, who gave 13 Premier League (EPL) and two Champions League trophies, deemed surprising because previously he ever think to continue to steer the Red Devils a few more seasons.

But he does not take long to confirm rumors that he will leave his job as United manager forever.

Decision to retire has long been my thought and I've thought things through, this is the right time to do so.

Important enough for me to leave the club when it was at its best and this is the right time.

Quality of this squad should not be questioned and I believe a balance of age among the squad will continue the legacy of success as well as young players academy structure will ensure a bright future for United, "he said.

United have not given any indication of who will replace Ferguson but Everton manager David Moyes of the hottest names in question will move to Old Trafford.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, who has a good relationship with Ferguson when operating Chelsea, also be the best choice.

United chief executive David Gill, who has worked with Ferguson including his second treble in 1999, including the English Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup, paid tribute to the veteran manager.

I have had many interesting experiences while working with Ferguson for 16 years, including treble, even when we do not get anything.

Alex vision's, energy and ability to form a team including inside or outside the field can be considered as among the best in world football, "he said.

United also confirmed Ferguson will still remain at Old Trafford as Directors and Ambassadors Club.

The match against West Bromwich on May 19 will be the last moment for Ferguson as manager of Manchester United.

Ferguson will undergo hip surgery after the season ended and before this he was rumored to be retiring but no confirmation has been made.

Former Glasgow Rangers manager began his career in the lower leagues of Scotland with the club East Stirlingshire in 1974 and provides 49 titles overall.

Ferguson has built a reputation while at Aberdeen, led the club win the Scottish Premier League and the UEFA Cup in 1983 before joining United in 1986.

Man. United Insists Rooney is NOT for sale

Manchester United today insisted that star striker Wayne Rooney will not be sold.

According to close sources, Rooney had a meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson and declared his intention to emigrate.

The talks were held a few weeks before Ferguson announced his retirement on Tuesday.

In fact, United had already issued a statement emphatically that Rooney will not be sold.

Ronaldo will return to Old Trafford??

Cristiano Ronaldo admits is preparing to make a sensational return to Manchester United.

The Portuguese star told a senior United players that he seriously to return to Old Trafford and consider other possibilities.

United manager Alex Ferguson stressed that he would ask for the support of club owners, the Glazer family to make the return of the former World Player of the summer in a statement.

Ronaldo, 28, sold to Real Madrid for 80 million pounds transfer record, four years ago. However, rumors say United tried to bring back the player at 65 million pounds.

Ferguson has never hidden his interest to get a touch of his favorite players, but often stressed, the agreement may be difficult to complete.

Ronaldo still has a two-year contract in Madrid and realistic for him to leave the Spanish giants but at the end of next season. He was filthy rich French club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

"Glazers always support every time I ask for anything, so it might request this time is no different.

"If I ask certain players now, I think they will accomplish it. Now comes the wind changes, I will hunt for the world's major players, if allowed to," said Ferguson.

Luiz 'laughed at Sideshow Bob jibe'

Chelsea defender David Luiz has reportedly told team-mates that he was laughing at a comment shouted at him by a Manchester United fan when Rafael was sent off at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Rafael kicked out at Luiz in the 89th minute, and while referee Howard Webb was producing the red card the Chelsea defender was caught on camera smiling while laid on the floor, supposedly in agony.

That led to widespread condemnation of his actions for alleged gamesmanship, with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson claiming that Webb had been duped by the Brazilian defender.

Sir Alez said: "He [Rafael] was elbowed. He retaliated. That always happens, the player that retaliates gets the heavier penalty. It was quite clear Luiz has elbowed him twice. The referee has been bought by the fact Luiz has rolled about.

"The referee hasn't even seen it at all. He has gone with the fact Luiz has rolled around on the floor and that has convinced him it is a red card. You see that a lot with European, foreign players and South Americans.

"Certainly the refereeing decisions went against us. They surrounded the referee all day, four or five players all the time. I think that affected the referee."

A report in the Daily Telegraph on Tuesday claims that Luiz insists he was giggling at a jibe from a United fan about his resemblance to Sideshow Bob, a character from television show The Simpsons. Luiz has long been compared to him due to his big hair and his sometimes calamitous career in England.

Chelsea won the game at Old Trafford 1-0.

RVP Always Expected Instant Success

Robin van Persie says he never had any doubt that Manchester United would win silverware in his debut season.

Having gone seven years without a trophy with Arsenal, Van Persie made the controversial decision to leave for rivals United last summer, and instantly helped his new side to a 20th league crown.

Van Persie has been impressed by the hunger for success at Old Trafford and feels justified in his decision to switch clubs.

"I wouldn't have moved if I'd had doubts," he told United Review. "Instead, from day one I was almost certain we would win trophies - not in a couple of years but this year.

"I saw the players in training. I saw the way they behaved, the way they lived, their mentality, the way the staff worked, the way the manager and the staff acted. When all those elements combine, you end up with a team of champions. It also helps when you have so many players who know how to win."

United clinched the title last month when Van Persie's hat-trick secured a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa, but they will have to wait until this weekend's game at home to Swansea to actually get their hands on the trophy.

"There were some great pictures taken after the Aston Villa game, but there was one thing missing from them all: the trophy," the Netherlands international added. "That's the picture that will be framed in my house: me, lifting the Barclays Premier League trophy. I can't wait for that moment."

Van Persie says he enjoys stopping goals as well as scoring them and revealed his team-mates judge him on his efforts defending corners. Since his £24 million move from Arsenal, United's 29-goal top scorer has been stationed at the near post when opponents have had set-pieces.

"That's part of my job. I'm not judged on that by outsiders but, I can assure you, I'm judged on that by my team-mates and the manager," he said. "That's something I've agreed to do for the team, so it's just as important as scoring goals. I have a very important role when it comes to defending corners, free-kicks and set-pieces. I love to do it, too.

"It gives me a buzz when I clear a corner with a nice header and then we launch a counter-attack. I'm not a player who only thinks about scoring goals - football has so much more to offer than just goals."

Van Persie endured a two-month goal drought from February to April but said he took solace from helping out with his defensive duties.

"You get spells that don't go so well, when you don't score so many goals, and I had one of those this season," he said. "Even so, I kept clearing headers from corner kicks, I cleared balls off the goal-line, I set up team-mates to score goals."