United picks new manager just like old

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This article was published 10/05/2013 (4905 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

MANCHESTER, England — Manchester United has replaced an abrasive, tough-minded Scotsman with… another abrasive, tough-minded Scotsman.

In fact, the similarities between Alex Ferguson and David Moyes are so numerous it’s uncanny.

They were born 10 kilometres from each other in working-class Glasgow. Their fathers were employed by the same shipbuilding company. They were both decent club players but neither played for their national team. They both have a passion for horse racing, co-owning horses. They both own raging tempers and a fiercely competitive work ethic. And, of course, they are both brilliant managers — loyal, committed to developing young players and keen to play an attacking brand of football.

Ferguson recommended Moyes as his replacement 15 years after approaching his compatriot to become his assistant. That Moyes turned him down, focusing instead on being a manager in his own right, shows the kind of character United has taken on.

Under the circumstances and given Everton’s skimpy budget, the 50-year-old Moyes has done a fine job at Goodison Park, finishing in the top six on four occasions after taking over in 2002 with the club staring relegation in the face. Since 2007, Everton has always placed eighth or higher.

Moyes started his managerial career in 1999 at Preston North End. Preston was in English football’s third tier at the time and gained promotion under Moyes in his second full season

— The Associated Press