Kevin Kilbane backs David Moyes for Manchester United

Former Preston North End player Kevin Kilbane has insisted that his old teammate and manager David Moyes is the right man to replace the retiring Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

The current Everton boss is widely expected to succeed his fellow Scot Ferguson at the United helm, and Kilbane thinks that there is no better fit.

"I am delighted, thoroughly delighted," Kilbane told the Irish Examiner. "I have played under him and played alongside him at Preston as well. He is a former teammate and manager and I've got to say I am absolutely delighted. I think he is a top manager.

"I've thought about it a lot and I don't think there is any manager that would be more fitting to go in there and work with the club, having Sir Alex Ferguson above him.

"I am sure he will seek his advice along the way and there are not too many managers that will be too forthcoming in going and knocking on Sir Alex Ferguson's door. David Moyes would do that. He is a strong character in his own right and what he has done at Everton has been a huge achievement."

Kilbane played 110 times for the Republic of Ireland during his career.