Manchester United manager David Moyes has claimed that being offered the managerial job at Old Trafford was the result of years of hard work.

Moyes will replace Sir Alex Ferguson in the Old Trafford dug-out this season having impressed during an 11-year spell in charge of Everton.

"I think hopefully it will inspire more coaches in our country to think there is a route through to one of the big clubs," Moyes told PA. "It has been very difficult in recent seasons for a British coach to get close to one of the big jobs.

"But I also had to earn my time. I coached and managed in the Premier League for 11 years at Everton. I was promoted through the divisions in the lower leagues with Preston. I had to earn my stripes to get myself to this level. During that journey were lots of trips abroad, lots of conferences and coaching seminars to try and develop as a coach.

"Now, some chairmen take quick, instant decisions on people who maybe have had a year's success and give them a job. Mine was a different route. Mine had to be a long, slow progression and, hopefully, improvement. I hope there was a little bit of common sense in the decision."

Moyes also hailed United's policy of "longevity and stability".

"Manchester United have always tended to choose slightly differently than other clubs," he added. "They always look for longevity and stability.

"They are not a club that chops and changes its manager regularly. For that reason, it was more pleasing when I got offered the job because you know they are a club that is looking for someone who tends to stay around for quite a while."

Moyes will take charge of his first competitive game as United manager on August 11 when they face Wigan Athletic in the Community Shield.