David Moyes has admitted there is a fear factor that comes from being asked to replace the most successful football manager in British history.
That Moyes was handpicked to take over at Manchester United by Sir Alex Ferguson does not reduce the enormity of the task.
And, speaking to newspapers on the club's five-match pre-season tour, Moyes, while expressing excitement at what lies ahead, also accepts the reality.
"There has to be an element of fear that comes with managing a club like Manchester United," he said.
"It keeps you working, it keeps you focused and helps you try not to take your eye off the ball.
"Someone said, 'You'll do it easy'. I'm not saying who it was but I don't take that as a given, because I know it's going to be really hard at Manchester United.
"But in the same breath it is a great one (job) because of what I have available and what Sir Alex has left."
Moyes has repeatedly underlined his intention to ask Ferguson for advice. But he is also acutely aware he must step out of that vast shadow and stamp his own imprint on United if he is to make a success of the job.
"It has to be a new era," he said. "My job now is to make my history.
"I'm going to follow someone who has made incredible history. I think about Matt Busby's history and then Alex Ferguson's history - they could do a film about it.
Source: PA
