David Moyes insisted he had no plans of leaving Everton at the end of the season, but when Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson came calling it was an opportunity he just could not turn down.

Speaking to the media for the first time after being named new Manchester United manager, following the decision of Ferguson to retire, Moyes admitted he would miss Everton greatly.

"I'm disappointed to be leaving such a great club," Moyes said. "The club has been such a great part of my life."

However, when asked if he had ever considered turning down the chance of joining United, the answer was expectedly no. "I have to be honest and say no," he said.

Moyes was out of contract in the summer, with Everton chairman Bill Kenwright confident that the Scot, who was with the Toffees for 11 years would renew his contract come the end of the season. And the 50-year-old said that was indeed the plan, with Moyes already planning for preseason.

"I wasn't planning on leaving," he added. "My contract was running out but we were planning for preseason. All we've ever done here is keep planning.

"The fans have been great to me from day one here. I would like to say thank you for that support they've always given me.

"It was very difficult meeting with the chairman this week. I have great respect for him and we've had a great relationship.

"The chairman has never been critical of me and he has always tried to give me everything he possibly can to support me.

"The chairman has been really good for me and he will be really good for the next manager because he is a great chairman.

"I think Sunday (the Premier League game against West Ham) will be emotional because I've been so close to the players and the people around Goodison.

"As a manager I might have got more mellow. I hope I've not lost that intensity but maybe learned to use it in the right ways."

The likes of Neil Lennon, Roberto Martinez and Michael Laudrup have been tipped to take over from Moyes at Everton, and the soon-to-be United boss believes whoever takes charge will be coming to a "great place to work."

"I'm sure there will be lots of good people interested in this job and no wonder, because it is a great place to work," he said.

"Whoever comes in will get a well-run club, great set of players. I'm disappointed to be leaving such a great club.

"This club when I took over was bobbing along near the bottom of the PL. Now we're competing around fifth, sixth spot every season.

"When I came in and mentioned the people's club it was from my heart how I felt about the club. The 11 years haven't disappointed me.

"The players this year have been exceptional and I would hate to think Sunday and next week are about David Moyes."