All eyes were on David Moyes this afternoon when he delivered his first press conference since being appointed the new manager of Manchester United.
The former Everton coach called time on his 11-year stint at Goodison Park to take the reins at Old Trafford from Sir Alex Ferguson, who decided to retire following a glittering 26-year career with the Red Devils.
With his predecessor amassing 38 trophies during his time in charge at United, the pressure is on for Moyes to continue the club's successful run during his six-year contract.
Wayne Rooney's future, potential new signings including rumoured target Thiago Alcantara from Barcelona, and getting off to a winning start in the 2013-14 Premier League campaign are just a few of the tasks facing the new United leader.
Read what Moyes had to say below.
Good afternoon all! So, here it is. The man of the moment is taking his place in front of the media for the first time since becoming the new manager of Manchester United following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement.
Moyes is due to appear at 4pm to answer questions about his new career, which, let's face it, is not a particularly easy one! How does the Scotsman follow a man that has accumulated 38 trophies in 26 years? Well, we don't have long to find out as the 2013-14 Premier League campaign is a matter of weeks away.
While Moyes will more than likely prefer to speak about United's future, he is expected to be fired questions about a certain Wayne Rooney, who is said to be unsettled at Old Trafford. Moyes has reportedly held talks with the England international this week, and there have been some suggestions that Rooney has opted to remain with the Premier League champions.
The new United leader has plenty to get on with at his new post. One particular challenge will be trying to overcome Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City, whom his team will face in the first five games of the new campaign. Quite a simple start really...
Okay, so it's 4pm and there is no sign of Moyes as yet, but when do these conferences ever start on time? While all eyes will be on the new boss, skipper Nemanja Vidic will sit alongside him in front of the reporters.
While Moyes's arrival is a major change to the North-West outfit, the backroom staff have been shuffled too. The Scotsman will be joined by his former Everton right-hand men - Chris Woods, Jimmy Lumsden and Steve Round. He will also work alongside Phil Neville and Ryan Giggs, who has become a player-coach.
Here we go then! Moyes has arrived and of course the first topic of discussion is Wayne Rooney...
BREAKING NEWS! Moyes: "Wayne's not for sale. I'm looking forward to working with him. I see a glint in his eye. He looks happy, he looks like he will knuckle down and get himself right."
It's an adamant stance from Moyes, who has reiterated that the England international "won't be sold by Manchester United" despite reported interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona.
Speaking about the lead-up to his appointment as Ferguson's successor: "I feel incredibly privileged that I was given the opportunity. I was grateful to Sir Alex and the board for making that happen. I knew nothing about the job until Sir Alex gave me the call and asked me and the first thing he said was he was retiring and then he said, 'You're the next manager', and that was enough. I was shocked."
"I'll continue the traditions of the club. I am very fortunate that I am taking over at the champions of England and I hope I can do a great job here."
Hmm, make of this what you will... Moyes is probed on the possible return of Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo. While he refuses to answer the question directly, he does say: "This club is always interested in the best players."
On the alleged transfer request made by Rooney while holding a meeting with Ferguson in April: "I do not know what those two gentlemen said - Sir Alex Ferguson and Wayne Rooney. That conversation was private and as far as I am concerned I am looking forward to working with Wayne."
When asked if Rooney has told him that he wants to stay at Old Trafford, Moyes simply responds with: "He's been training very well."
Vidic, who is sitting alongside Moyes, has had his say on the Scotsman's arrival and Ferguson's departure: "When the gaffer decided to retire, I was surprised. The players had respect for the manager at Everton and we are looking forward to working with him. The players are training well and they are excited about working with him."
Moyes: "I hope Sir Alex Ferguson is sitting in the directors' box. He's been so good. I've already called him for advice a couple of times on a couple of matters. I asked coach Rene [Meulensteen] to stay but he felt it was fair on me to go it alone. [Ferguson] is not there to pressure me. The Glazers have been great since I got here and so has the new chief executive Edward Woodward."
On his lack of experience in Europe: "I'm inexperienced in a lot of those things and they could have brought someone in who was more experienced, but the biggest confidence I got was Sir Alex saying to me 'You're the next Manchester United manager'."
Speaking on the reasons behind Giggs's appointment as player-coach: "I spoke with Paul Scholes as well, he felt he wanted to have some time off with his family. I felt the right person was Ryan Giggs and he has been great. He has been on his UEFA pro licence course, he is taking steps forward and to get him and Phil Neville together is great."
"I've been really impressed by the attitude of this set of players. They've been total professionals. It's a really tough start [to the season] but you have to play everyone twice, but I've never seen a Manchester United side get a tougher start to a season."
Going into more detail about his meeting with Ferguson: "Hopefully I'll have that same magic touch that Sir Alex used to have with substitutions and the like. It was incredible when I met him. Within half an hour, he was talking about the squad, players and the staff. I was sworn into secrecy. I only knew a couple of days before we played Liverpool." ....He wants Ferguson's "magic". Does that include Fergie time too!?
"Success is tattooed right across the club badge. I'm determined to get the first [trophy] on the board as soon as possible."
INJURIES! Moyes has confirmed that Nani is scheduled for a nose operation, which means that he could be absent from the pre-season tour. Ashley Young and Chris Smalling are also doubtful, while Javier Hernandez will be absent due to his participation in the Confederations Cup.
More on the task he has ahead: "I know what I've got and I know the job in hand but I am sure when Sir Alex Ferguson took over he knew the job in hand too. But he has left me a squad that is capable of winning the Premier League title."
Vidic has been able to get a word in by saying that Rooney is in his "best shape for five years". He goes on to say: "Players are going to increase their work. David has worked in the Premier League and he knows the players but the players still have something to prove to him. You're playing for Manchester United and there is always pressure on the players and we have to work hard and help the manager achieve what he wants."
Moyes has revealed that Paul Scholes could return to the club in the future in some capacity: "I spent an hour on the phone with Scholes and there is a place for him and will look to bring him back in when he is ready."
On whether the United fans will take to him following Ferguson's retirement: "I'll be new to a lot of supporters. This a new era but Sir Alex Ferguson will never go away. He'll always be here, you can see his statue, you can see his stand, and he's certainly someone I'll go to. Hopefully, the supporters will realise it was his time to finish and time for someone else."
Speaking about the return of Jose Mourinho at Chelsea and the managerial shift that has seen Manuel Pellegrini arrive at Manchester City: "I'm really happy to see Jose [Mourinho] back in the Premier League. For the first time there has been a big shake-up in the Premier League and I'm looking forward to being involved in it."
The Scotsman also has some words for his former employers Everton and chairman Bill Kenwright: "Finally, Bill Kenwright has been fantastic over my time at Everton. They've got a very good team and players. All I can say is 'thanks', they've been very good to me."
And he's done! Moyes concludes his first press conference as United manager by shaking hands with a few members of the media before leaving the room.
So, what can we take from all of that? First things first, it's clear that United are in no way prepared to let Rooney leave the club this summer. However, Moyes refused to confirm or deny that the striker has opted to stay at the club following talks this week. Interestingly, he has also refused to rule out a swoop for Ronaldo. Although, he didn't say they were interested either!
In terms of taking the role at United, it didn't seem like Moyes had much of a choice in the matter! The Scotsman revealed that Ferguson told him that he will be the new United boss, rather than asked him. You wouldn't question Sir Alex though, would you?
Moyes also revealed that Scholes could also return to the club in a coaching role following his decision to retire at the end of the season. So, I guess, watch this space with regards to this story!
So there we have it! Moyes has officially begun his job with the Premier League champions and he has a huge task ahead of him as the club prepare for the new campaign in August. I expect this won't be the last that we'll hear with regards to the Rooney situation either... Thank you for joining me this afternoon, and make sure you stay with us on Sports Mole for all the latest news. You can find more detailed news articles of Moyes's comments right here.
