Landon Donovan: David Moyes was the obvious choice for Manchester United

Posted Friday, May 10, 2013 by YAHOO Sport

CARSON, Calif. – By joining Manchester United, David Moyes accepted one of the most enviable but difficult gigs in soccer. The Scot must replace his countryman Sir Alex Ferguson, who in 26 years with the Red Devils won 13 Premier League trophies, five FA Cups and two European Cups.

Landon Donovan, for one, thinks Moyes is up to the challenge.

"He'll be fine," Donovan told Goal. "I have no doubt that he'll do well there."

Donovan played for Moyes on two loan stints at Everton, where Moyes spent the last decade exceeding expectations on a shoestring budget.

"He is – across the board, by players, fans, staff, referees – very respected," the LA Galaxy forward said. "I think he'll do a fantastic job. I'm very happy for him."

Moyes has a history of trusting American players, dating back to Brian McBride at Preston North End in 2000. U.S. international Tim Howard has tended goal for Moyes at Everton since 2006. However, Donovan doesn't see Moyes going out of his way to cater to Americans.

"He's got a job to do," Donovan said. "Whether someone's American or Argentinian or Bosnian or Albanian or English, he's going to pick the best players he can."

Given Donovan's relationship and success under Moyes, would he consider joining Manchester United? The 31-year-old, who missed a spot kick against the Houston Dynamo on Sunday, his second wasted penalty of the season, brushed aside the question.

"I'm pretty sure that they prefer players that can make penalty kicks," he joked with reporters.

With or without any Americans, Donovan feels Moyes will excel at his new club, even given the yawning absence of Ferguson on the touchline.

"It was, in my opinion, a pretty obvious choice," Donovan said.