Loud!

At the start of this week it was hard to imagine that Manchester United's apparently meaningless final home game of the season against Swansea and Everton's relatively mundane Goodison Park fixture against West Ham would captivate millions across the globe rather than just the supporters of the respective clubs.

But Ferguson's sensational announcement on Wednesday that he will retire as United manager at the end of the season after 26-and-a-half years in charge at Old Trafford and the subsequent appointment of Everton boss Moyes as his replacement on Thursday changed all that.

Now the world will be watching as Ferguson takes charge of United at Old Trafford for the last time, while Moyes will also be under the microscope ahead of his official move to Manchester on July 1.

There will be more than a few tears as the 71-year-old Ferguson bids farewell, but the overriding emotion should be joyous celebration of his incredible achievements at United.

It is fitting that the Scot will depart with one last piece of silverware officially installed in the Old Trafford trophy cabinet on Sunday when United will be presented with the Premier League trophy.

This season's title triumph was the 13th of Ferguson's reign and the 38th trophy won by United during his reign.

And United defender Rio Ferdinand believes that haul should offer reassurance to Moyes that the foundations are in place to extend the club's remarkable run of success.

"It's great to see the new manager coming in, we've never had a problem with him here at United, he's a very honest man from the players you speak to and he's done a fantastic job at his previous club Everton," Ferdinand said.

"I'm sure he'll be very, very open and sympathetic to the traditions of the club and try and continue that and not come in and try and make crazy changes in terms of the whole characteristics of the club."

While Moyes has effectively been hand-picked by Ferguson, who recommended the Scot to United owners, the Glazer family, the 50-year-old has never had to face the scrutiny he will be under at Old Trafford.

His 11-year reign at Everton has rightly earned him plenty of respect for his ability to construct a highly competitive team on a relatively limited budget.

But the lack of a single piece of major silverware and absence of Champions League experience are significant blots on his CV.

The Cheshire-cat grin on Moyes' face when he was photographed leaving the office of Everton chairman Bill Kenwright shortly before his appointment at United was confirmed suggested even he can't quite believe his luck.

Even so, his last home match as Everton manager gives fans a chance to thank Moyes for his lengthy service and defender Phil Jagielka made it clear he will be sorely missed.

"Like the rest of the squad I have nothing but the highest regard for David Moyes," Jagielka said.

"He is a first-class operator on and off the training ground and on behalf of the players I would like to place on record my thanks for the work he has done improving the team."

While the football world keeps tabs on Ferguson and Moyes, there are other important issues in the Premier League this weekend.

Tottenham can't afford to drop points at Stoke as Andre Villas-Boas's fifth placed side try to keep the pressure on Chelsea and fourth placed Arsenal, who don't play this weekend due to Wigan's involvement in the FA Cup final.

Newcastle, three points above the bottom three, travel to already-relegated QPR in dire need of a win.

Norwich, at home to West Bromwich Albion, and Sunderland, who host Southampton, are level on points with Newcastle and equally desperate for three points.

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David Gill has stressed the need for Sir Alex Ferguson's replacement at Manchester United to have the 'requisite European experience'.

After confirming Ferguson's exit on Wednesday morning, it is thought United wish to announce the 71-year-old's replacement by the end of the week.

Although Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has been tipped to take over in some quarters, Everton boss Moyes is the firm favourite to land what Gill describes as a "dream job".

"The qualities are the ones that have been inherent at Manchester United for many years," United's outgoing chief executive told MUTV.

"Our two most successful eras were with managers who got involved with all aspects of the club, from the youth team to the first team, to get that degree of loyalty and understanding of the football club.

"Clearly he has to have the requisite football experience, both in terms of domestic and European experience.

"It is a small pool."

Moyes' European experience is not extensive. He has only guided Everton through four European campaigns and never gone beyond the last 16 phase in any competition.

However, Ferguson has never had any doubts his fellow Scot was capable of managing at the very highest level.

And Gill confirmed Ferguson, and Sir Bobby Charlton - who has previously suggested Mourinho was not the type of character would sit easily at Old Trafford - would be asked for their input.

"No-one knows what managing Manchester United is about more than him," Gill said.

"The board will take his counsel and that of Sir Bobby Charlton in order to get the right person to take it forward."

Charlton would be acutely aware of the problems it caused - first for Wilf McGuiness, then Frank O'Farrell - when Sir Matt Busby remained active at Old Trafford following his retirement as manager.

The spectre of Ferguson is going to hang over Old Trafford for a long time.

But Gill is confident the Scot will not be a negative presence.

"Sir Alex will be a great asset to the club," Gill said.

"He will know when he should and should not be involving himself.

"Everyone can rest assured the new manager can get the space and opportunity to do his job without interference.

"Alex will not make that mistake. Of that we can be certain."

As Gill is also departing in the summer, it represents a significant test for new chief executive Ed Woodward.

"Ed Woodward has the opportunity to develop a relationship with the new manager," Gill said.

"I am sure he is capable of doing that for the betterment of Manchester United.

"Alex and I will still be there but on the football club board.

"It is a new era but I am confident the structure we have in place gives a great foundation for that relationship to happen."

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