Sir Alex Jumps To Hodgson's Defence

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson came to the defence of Roy Hodgson after the unpopular Liverpool manager left the club by mutual consent ahead of United's game against them.

Ferguson, who is a known friend of Hodgson's claimed that the English manager didn't have enough time in the job to be judged fairly:

“It’s incredible – why did they take him there in the first place? We are talking about the current LMA Manager of the Year and the ­experience he’s got.

“He’s been round the world managing Inter Milan twice, Switzerland and ­Finland and he took Fulham to the ­Europa League Final last season. He more or less had the squad he ­inherited – so it’s his fault, is it?

“He brought in Paul Konchesky, Raul Meireles and Christian Poulsen. I think Joe Cole was done before he arrived but that couldn’t be announced until July 1, when his ­contract with Chelsea ­ended.”

Ferguson knows what it is like to be under pressure, as he himself was close to the sack before winning the F.A Cup in 1990. However, he has since survived for 24 years as manager of the Old Trafford club, and has led them to almost unrivalled success in his time, although over those 24 years, the way football is run has changed into something that the Scot doesn't agree with:

“Managers are given time at this club – there’s always been a good ­understanding. Look at how long Sir Matt Busby was here and Ron ­Atkinson was given ­plenty of time before me. I’m hoping the situation doesn’t get worse.

“It’s a case of trying to change the mindset of ­different types of directors you have got ­nowadays. You go back 30 or 40 years and their attitude was, ‘I’ll ­enjoy a wee brandy ­today and enjoy watching my team play."

“Now, new people are ­running clubs and don’t even have an association with them. lot of clubs have been bought by outsiders.”

Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish has taken over from Hodgson at Liverpool and will manage his first game back at Liverpool against Ferguson. It isn't the easiest welcome back to football - against a side unbeaten this season in the Premier League, while Liverpool stand only four points above the relegation places, but Liverpool fans at least believe if anyone can turn their season around, it is "King Kenny". It promises to be a good game.