The former Rangers and Everton boss' appointment as Sir Alex Ferguson's right-hand man has come as a shock to United and neutral football fans alike after spending so many years as a regular manager but is raring to get United back on form as an assistant.

"Manchester United have been in situations like this before and on the vast majority of those occasions they have had the ability and determination to get through it - that is why they have been so successful over the years," said Smith

"I hope the experience I have gained over the years can be of some kind of help. Sometimes having an extra pair of eyes having a fresh look at some small details can help," he added.

Scotsman Smith has been out of the footballing scene for a few years now and admitted that he has refused several job proposals from clubs and refused but this is something he couldn't ever decline.

"I had a few opportunities to get back into the game but I didn't want to go back in unless it was something I really want to do. This is something I couldn't possibly turn down."

Sir Alex Ferguson's newly appointed right-hand man has set himself his first goal at Old Trafford and that is to get his new team back to winning ways.

The former Everton boss' appointment as Fergie's No.2 has come as a shock to everyone after spending many years as a regular manager but is raring to get United back on form as assistant