Sir Alex Ferguson has said that his successor David Moyes has what it takes to succeed him as manager of Manchester United.

The 71-year-old will retire from his Old Trafford post, which he has occupied since 1986, at the end of the season, with the Everton boss taking the reins.

Ferguson believes that his compatriot, whom he recommended to the United board, has the perseverance and industrious attitude necessary to be a success.

"What I know of David is he's hard working and has integrity," BBC Sport quotes Ferguson as saying. "He's also got a work ethic about him and he's a serious football man. I think these are the qualities he's going to need.

"He's got a perseverance about him - look at what he's done at Everton. Eleven years without any tremendous financial backing, but he's persevered with it and created some decent teams in the last few years.

"The one thing you have to do is definitely sacrifice and persevere - it's not always a golden path of riches."

Moyes has signed a six-year deal with United.