Manchester United have announced that David Moyes will join the club in the summer to take the reins from Sir Alex Ferguson, who will retire following a 26-year term at the end of the season.

Official confirmation had been expected to be made by the North-West outfit when Everton announced that the Scotsman would leave the club in the summer due to his "desire" to move to Old Trafford.

Following Ferguson's decision to step down from his role at the club, Moyes immediately appeared as the frontrunner for the position.

Director Sir Bobby Charlton told the club's official website: "I have always said that we wanted the next manager to be a genuine Manchester United man. In David Moyes, we have someone who understands the things that make this such a special club.

"We have secured a man who is committed to the long-term and will build teams for the future as well as now. Stability breeds success. David has tremendous strength of character and recognises the importance of bringing young players through and developing them alongside world class talent.

"At United, I think David will be able to express himself. I'm delighted he has accepted and I'm looking forward to working with him."

Owner Joel Glazer added: "I am very pleased David has agreed to lead Manchester United into the future. His hard working style and steely determination are characteristics we value at the club.

"He has impressed as a coach for many years now and we strongly believe he will be able to take up from where Alex is leaving off by continuing this club's tradition of flair football played by exciting, world-class players."

Moyes will move to the successful English club after over a decade on Merseyside, where he established Everton as a top-six outfit but failed to win a piece of silverware during his tenure.