David Moyes has had a pretty impressive managerial career all told. While his list of honours won won't set pulses racing – with West Ham United's Europa Conference League win in 2023 his best achievement – his longevity is pretty remarkable.
Having coached in the Premier League since taking over at Everton in 2002, he's proven himself as one of the best managers in the competition's history, winning more than 200 games in the English top flight. Spells at Manchester United, Sunderland, West Ham followed in England (as did a brief stint at Real Sociedad), before he then returned to his current side Everton in 2025.
Having spent time at so many big clubs, Moyes has coached some brilliant players over the years. When asked to name the very best of them by BBC Sport in 2024, he selected four men.
Wayne Rooney
Everton and Manchester United
Wayne Rooney came through under Moyes as a brilliantly talented teenager before departing to Man United. The manager would actually sue the forward for libel after some strong criticism, but it appears as though the relationship recovered in time as they went on to work together again at Old Trafford.
On Rooney's talent, Moyes said:
“Wayne Rooney: I think when I look back over the years, to have someone at such an early age be so talented, you know, known worldwide throughout his career, breaking Manchester United goalscoring records, breaking the England record for goalscoring… I think Wayne would have to be the standout player.”
Nemanja Vidic
Manchester United
During his time at Man United, Moyes inherited the brilliant backline duo of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. Young and talented English defenders Phil Jones and Chris Smalling were also part of that group, but the Scottish manager felt one stood above the rest, saying
"Vidic, I thought, was probably the best centre-half I'd worked with, I think I'd worked with a few at the time..."
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Declan Rice
West Ham
Coming to a player of the modern era, it's no surprise Moyes singled out Declan Rice for praise. After all, the English midfielder led West Ham to European glory in 2023 before sealing a £100m move to Arsenal. His former coach appears to hold him in the highest esteem, saying:
"At West Ham, for example, I had Declan Rice, who was another really young player, but one who was certainly on the rise and went on to fulfil his potential as a young player. I see him probably becoming an England captain in the near future.
Leon Osman
Everton
Perhaps the most surprising name on the list, Moyes seemed to ho,d a particular sense of pride over the career of Everton stalwart Leon Osman. Notably, he felt about the joy he got from helping the former midfielder eventually get an international call-up during the latter stages of his career:
"I think with people like Leon Osman, who was really really good player for us and went on to get an England cap when he was over 30, and sometimes those things give managers bigger thrills than some of the other boys."