Ferguson fears for fellow managers

Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced football management is becoming a more precarious occupation with each passing year.

After bringing 10 Premier League titles and two European Cups to Old Trafford during an incredible 22-year reign, Ferguson need have no concern about losing his job.

At 66, the Manchester United boss has earned the right to end his tenure at a time of his choosing.

He realises many of his management rivals are not so lucky. Roy Keane has just quit as Sunderland boss, while another of Ferguson's former players, Paul Ince, is now under severe pressure at Blackburn.

And with Howard Wilkinson, Alan Curbishley and Sam Allardyce, the favourite to replace Keane, currently out of work, Ferguson accepts job security is virtually non-existent.

"It is a very precarious industry," said Ferguson.

"Very few managers last more than three or four years with a club nowadays and the lifespan of a manager is getting shorter and shorter.

"I count myself fortunate to spend so long at one club.

"I have not had to go through that turmoil. It is horrible."

Ferguson acknowledges the demands placed on managers are greater than they have ever been.

The vast amounts of TV money on offer to the top flight plays a major part as clubs desperately try to preserve their status.

But he also feels the attitude of supporters has changed markedly too.

"Crowd participation has become more volatile," he said.

"The other day I saw of photograph of a United game against Leeds. All these warriors like Stiles, Hunter, Charlton and Crerand were scrapping in the middle of the pitch. But when you look at the crowd there is not a bit of emotion. They are just watching the spectacle.

"You would not get that now. The fans would be screaming blue murder. It is a very emotional industry. That emotion can get to everyone. You lose three or four games and you are in trouble."

The precise reasons behind Roy Keane's departure from Sunderland are not known.

However, it is difficult to escape the feeling Keane was increasingly uncomfortable with his position at the Stadium of Light.

Although chairman Niall Quinn spent three days trying to talk his fellow Irishman round, Keane's exit yesterday means there will be no reunion with Ferguson when Sunderland tackle United at Old Trafford tomorrow.

"Trying to cut through rumour and fact in football today is difficult," said Ferguson.

"You are never quite sure what has happened and the rumour mill is operating at 100 miles an hour.

"But Roy was a great player here and it is a pity. We wish him well."

Ferguson has no idea when, or indeed if, Keane will return to the management ranks.

"It is difficult to say whether he will be back," said the Scot.

"He is an incredibly controversial character. Every week he always had something to say about the game. He was the same as a player.

"He is such an interesting character and did a decent job up there."

While the Ince situation is not exactly the same given the short time he has spent at Blackburn, Ferguson can see how much pressure the former England captain is under.

He just hopes the Rovers board give Ince a chance to reshape a club that is no longer what it once was.

"Mark Hughes left at the right time," said Ferguson.

"He did a fantastic job there but a lot of players' contracts were coming up, he had lost David Bentley, the same money was not available. The job had become a lot more difficult.

"I do hope Paul gets some backing. He needs time."

Although Keane has gone, Ferguson will be shaking hands with some familiar faces in the visitors' dug-out tomorrow.

Former United reserve-team boss Ricky Sbragia has taken over from Keane on a temporary basis, with Dwight Yorke operating as assistant.

That move has raised an eyebrow from Ferguson given Yorke's notoriously laid-back nature, although he is more interested in collecting another three points.

"We have experienced this situation many times, which just emphasises how long I have been here," said the United chief.

"I don't know what to expect from Sunderland but I do expect my team to perform with the concentration and focus they showed at Manchester City last Sunday.

"That was Manchester United back, I am sure of that."