Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says that incoming boss David Moyes will have to work hard to ensure that the quality of the squad remains.

Ferguson called an end to his career after 26 years with United and Moyes was swiftly drafted in as a replacement for his fellow Scot.

Ferguson is confident that the Everton manager can do the job and believes that United will give him sufficient time at the helm.

"He's got a good squad of players and he will want to add to that, I'm sure, himself. He will have his own ideas and that's good," Ferguson told The Guardian.

"The priority is the football team. Without the football team, they would not have all the sponsorships. The team is the priority – we all know that here. There is no doubt about that."

When asked whether Moyes could be in charge of the Red Devils for the long-term, he added, "Well, I hope so. I think it is the one club who could do that, you know, by showing great loyalty to their manager."