Moyes 'privileged' and 'thrilled' to be United boss

David Moyes has held his first press conference as Manchester United FC manager, telling media inquisitors he feels "incredibly privileged" to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson.

Moyes, 50, who ended an 11-year tenure at the Everton FC helm at the end of last season and announced on 9 May that he would take over the reins at Old Trafford, spoke proudly of his new role. "I am incredibly privileged to manage Manchester United," said Moyes. "I am grateful to Sir Alex and the board for making that happen."

The former Preston North End FC manager also revealed how the news was broken to him. "[My appointment] was a really strange situation," he said. "I had no idea whatsoever until Sir Alex called me and asked me to go to his house. I was expecting him to say 'we're going to take one of your players' but the first thing he said to me was that he's retiring next week and I was going to be the next Manchester United manager.

"I did not get a chance to say yes or no, the fact that Sir Alex had told me was enough. The blood drained from my face and I was shocked. I was more shocked that Sir Alex had chosen to retire but inside I was just incredibly thrilled that I was getting the chance to manage Manchester United. I always hoped I would be a consideration."

Moyes is also keen to impose his own style of management at Old Trafford and will begin with the Community Shield showdown against Wigan Athletic FC on 11 August at Wembley Stadium. "All I can do is do what David Moyes does," he continued. "I will definitely continue the traditions of Manchester United. I'm very fortunate to take over the champions of England. I've got a great starting point, better than most. Sir Alex and the board have been unbelievably supportive. Sir Bobby Charlton came to see me too. I was as thrilled about that as anything else.

"I've already call Sir Alex two or three times for advice. I would also like to say a big thank you to the staff who worked with Sir Alex. I made a decision to bring in my own staff. The players have been very good, they’ve responded well. Following Sir Alex would be difficult for whoever was taking over."

United will being the defence of their Premier League crown on 17 August at Swansea City AFC before learning their UEFA Champions League group stage opponents on 29 August in Monaco.