David Moyes had planned Everton stay

New Manchester United manager David Moyes told reporters that leaving Everton at the end of the season had not crossed his mind until just a few days ago, when the Scotsman was approached to take over from Alex Ferguson.

"It was very difficult [to leave]," Moyes said at a press conference. "I've got great respect for the chairman [Bill Kenwright], and we've had a great relationship. He's a real good guy and he's been great to me. It was a difficult meeting, but one he totally understood. He knew that this was just the way it was going.


"I wasn't planning to leave Everton, my contract was running out but if you pushed me my mind was swaying towards staying at Everton. I had everything in place for next season, all the preparation ready and pre-season underway. 


"All we've ever done here is keep planning and preparing for what's next, and that's what we've done. 


"I want to thank the fans for the support they've given me. It's not normal now that a manager stays in a job 11 years these days, so I have to thank them for their backing."