Crerand Greets New Recruits

Paddy Crerand believes David Moyes is ready for the rigours of managing Manchester United and has described his fellow Scot as the “best candidate” for the job.

The former Everton boss officially replaced Sir Alex Ferguson on Monday to begin preparations for the 2013/14 season. And Crerand, who spoke exclusively to ManUtd.com, is confident 50-year-old Moyes has all of the attributes and experience needed to handle the demands and expectations of managing United.

“David was under pressure every day at Everton with the support and expectations they have," Crerand told us. "They don’t have the same money that Manchester United have but he is ready for it. He was at Preston, Everton and now United, but there is pressure in every aspect of football regardless of the club.

“The greatest pleasure in football is winning football matches. That is the highlight and that is why David has taken the job. He has come to a much bigger club and there is nobody out there who wouldn’t want to be the manager of Manchester United. Sir Alex has left a great standard of player at the club.

“Of course, the expectancy at United is higher than anywhere else and it is a pressure job that has come from Sir Alex, whose record he has got to try and beat. I don’t think there is a better candidate. The greatest thing is that Sir Alex had a big say in it [Moyes' appointment].”

Following Moyes through the doors of the Aon Training Complex on Monday was coach Jimmy Lumsden, who is one of three new members of United’s backroom team alongside assistant manager Steve Round and goalkeeping coach Chris Woods.

Lumsden, a 65-year-old Glaswegian who worked with Moyes at Preston North End and Everton, joins the burgeoning list of Scotsmen involved with United and Crerand is delighted his friend and compatriot has joined the Reds.

“I have known Jimmy Lumsden for a long time, I know him very well and he is a smashing little fella,” Paddy explained. “He will continue the Scottish theme as well, so at least we will understand what we are talking about, we will understand each other.

“I first met Jimmy when he was with Eddie Gray, the ex-Leeds manager and I think Jim was at Leeds with him. My son Danny was at Rochdale for a while when Jimmy was there with Eddie.

“He has been with David all the way from Preston North End, so Dave has obviously got total trust in him and you can understand why he has brought him in.”