Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes that new manager David Moyes can go on to emulate the reign of Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.

The former Everton boss was named as the successor to Ferguson, who announced his retirement from the game in May after 26 years at the club.

Despite the change in guidance, Ferdinand is confident that Moyes will do well at United due to sharing similar traits with Ferguson.

"I just think the appointment of David Moyes signals longevity," Ferdinand told The Mirror.

"More than anything, I think the club wanted a manager who was going to be here for a long period of time and try to emulate what Sir Alex did. The new boss will have his own ways and his own style of management but there are elements of Sir Alex in him."

United will travel to Swansea City in their first game of the new Premier League season.