David Moyes to Succeed Alex Ferguson at Manchester United Martin Rickett/Press Association, via Associated Press Alex Ferguson, left, and David Moyes, right, during a match between Manchester United and Everton last year. The breach left by Alex Ferguson's retirement did not linger, as Manchester United announced Thursday that it had agreed to terms on a contract with Everton Manager David Moyes, who will take charge of one of the world's most famous soccer clubs beginning July 1. Moyes, 50, was known to be Ferguson's choice to replace him. Ferguson and Moyes, who are Scottish, have had a warm relationship over the years, with Ferguson at one point approaching Moyes about potentially joining United as an assistant. Now, Moyes will attempt to fill the significant void left by Ferguson, 71, who announced his retirement Wednesday after winning 38 trophies over nearly 27 years with the Red Devils. Ferguson will remain with United in an executive role, and he was a part of the selection process in picking Moyes, who agreed to a six-year contract. "We unanimously agreed on David Moyes," Ferguson said in a statement on the club's Web site. One of the qualities United was surely seeking was continuity after Ferguson's lengthy run, and Moyes - who spent 11 years at Everton, Liverpool's city rival - is expected to provide it. United chose Moyes over more high-profile managers like Real Madrid's José Mourinho, who had been reported to be a candidate. "I am delighted that Sir Alex saw fit to recommend me for the job," Moyes said. Moyes did not win a trophy while at Everton, though he earned accolades for consistently guiding the team to the upper end of the Premier League. He also took Everton to the qualifying stages of the Champions League in 2005, and the team reached the final of the F.A. Cup in 2009 before losing to Chelsea. Among the many changes Moyes will encounter at United is a seemingly limitless budget. At Everton, Moyes often sold his top players - including a young Wayne Rooney, to United, in 2004 - while at United he will figure to continue the club's penchant for seeking, and signing, as many stars as necessary. The pressure on Moyes will be intense. He began his playing career at Glasgow Celtic and completed it at Preston North End (which he also managed), but nowhere did he face as much scrutiny as he will in his new job. Ferguson will leave having won his 13th Premier League title this season, and Moyes will be expected to produce similar results. As Moyes attempts to guide United to expected glory, he will also have to deal with personnel issues, like Rooney's reported desire to leave the club. "I know how hard it will be to follow the best manager ever," Moyes said. But the opportunity to manage Manchester United isn't something that comes around very often, and I'm really looking forward to taking up the post next season.