David Moyes 'Frontrunner' To Succeed Sir Alex Ferguson

Everton boss David Moyes is in pole position to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, Sky sources understand.

United confirmed in a statement on Wednesday morning that Ferguson would retire this summer after more than 26 years in charge.

Moyes has long been tipped as a possible replacement English football's most successful manager but the Scot has now moved into pole position to take the Old Trafford helm, with an announcement expected in the next 48 hours.

His Everton contract runs out in the summer and no agreement has been reached over a new deal.

The 50-year-old has previously said that he wanted to wait until the end of this campaign before deciding whether to extend his time at Goodison Park into a 12th year.

Moyes has brought stability and consistency on a relatively small budget to the Merseysiders and is viewed by United chiefs as a man who, like his fellow Scot, values youth development and longevity.