Everton manager David Moyes will take Sir Alex Ferguson's place as Manchester United's boss.

Moyes has already told Everton that he will leave when his contract expires this summer to become Ferguson's successor.

In a statement, Everton confirmed that Moyes will leave the team at the end of the season.

"The manager met chairman Bill Kenwright early yesterday evening and confirmed his desire to join Manchester United," Everton said in a statement.

"The chairman…would like to place on record his thanks to David for the massive contribution he has made to Everton since his arrival in March 2002. He has been an outstanding manager," the statement added.

Everton will start the search for Moyes' replacement immediately. The team already has a shortlist of candidates, which includes Wigan's Roberto Martinez and Swansea's Michael Laudrup.

Moyes' appointment as new United boss was fueled by two entries on the team's official Facebook page that said: "Send your personal welcome to our new manager David Moyes".

The second message regarding Moyes' appointment appeared on Manchester United's Facebook page afternoon

Later, United had denied a deal was done and said they did not know how the page was updated. The page was later deleted.

The 71-year-old Ferguson stepped down Wednesday after nearly 27 years in charge at Old Trafford.

"It is a dream job," United chief executive David Gill said, adding that the job was a unique opportunity for whoever takes over. "The new manager will inherit a great squad and infrastructure off the pitch, with a great staff."

"He will be walking into a difficult situation in terms of the number of trophies, but the positive of also having the support of the Manchester United family," he added.

Several football analysts and stars have supported Moyes as Ferguson's replacement.

"He's cut from the same cloth," said former United captain Steve Bruce. "It wouldn't surprise me if he got the job and I'm sure he would be very successful."

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