Manchester United has replaced an abrasive and tough-minded Scotsman with ... another abrasive and tough-minded Scotsman.

In fact, the similarities between Alex Ferguson and David Moyes are so numerous that it's uncanny.

They were born six miles (10 kilometers) from each other in Glasgow. Their fathers worked for the same shipbuilding company. They both have a passion for horse racing, co-owning horses. They both own raging tempers and a fiercely competitive work ethic.

From The Weekender

All the streams. Where are the crowds?

Local music now dominates streaming charts across Southeast Asia. So why aren't Indonesian artists filling bigger rooms?

Read on The Weekender

Most important of all, both are brilliant football managers, loyal and committed to developing young players.

The phrase "cut from the same cloth" has been doing the rounds in Britain as pundits, football fans and former players assessed the likelihood of Moyes replacing Ferguson as manager of one of the world's biggest clubs.

In the end, it was never really in doubt.

Popular

Indonesian hotel chain confirms exit from Cuba

Corruption scandals, rupiah fall revive reshuffle talks

Waiting is not an option